We've all had our share of problems in life, some more than
others but problems none-the-less. If you're anything like me, you eventually grow
weary dealing with and finding solutions to unpleasant situations. Rather than win the lottery, some might opt
to have all of their problems vanish, never to reappear again - to live a life
void of those wretched issues that devour our precious time, drain us of our
emotional reserves, and sabotage our peace and happiness. Yet is it conceivable
to think we can live problem free? Actually yes, it is. Let me explain.
Life is a series of events and experiences we must
participate in for a number of reasons: perhaps we need to learn a valuable life
lesson or the experience may be a necessary step in our journey towards a
particular goal. Events may be intended to test our determination. Others
enable us to tap into hidden potential necessary for our personal growth. Still
others may appear simply to reward us for past efforts. Those we welcome with open
arms, for sure. The others not so much. In any event, each plays a valuable
role in who we become and the path our life follows.
I think most would agree that life would be easier and more
enjoyable without problems to clutter up our time and deplete our energy. What few
realize is that problems only exist in the mind - they are not a reality but
rather a label we assign to a perceived unpleasant situation. Consider this: my
husband and I share a home together and each winter endure the same amount of
snow as the other. It must be cleared from driveways, sidewalks, and porches
for obvious reasons. For him it's a problem, for me a form of exercise. Same
event, different experience. It's all a matter of perception plus the labels we
place upon said incident.
Consider using the COLTS Method of Classification (5
alternatives) to instantly resolve any future or existing problems. Is the
situation a:
1. Challenge: is this experience here to challenge you to
learn something new or to push you to achieve greater goals? Like a runner
training for a marathon, accept the challenge with determination and
enthusiasm, knowing you will emerge a better person.
2. Opportunity: perhaps God is ending one chapter of your
life and directing you on a new path. Have faith, trust in His judgment over
your own. "I know the plans I have
for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to
give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah
3. Lessons: we all need a wake-up call sometimes. A loss,
setback or betrayal can often teach us more than any book or trained
professional could. Appreciate the opportunity to learn.
4. Test: unexpected interruptions in our life are often
testing us to enable us to determine how important something or someone is. Examine
your priorities and values to ascertain what really matters. Eliminate or limit
that which is secondary in worth.
5. Situation: some things just are, plain and simple. We needn't assign a classification or
emotion to every experience we have. "It is what it is" can serve us
well.
Rest assured, I am not suggesting we deny or ignore the
situation at hand. We must still address the issue but can now do so from an entirely
different perspective, completely redefining what it is and how we allow it to
impact us.
I cannot solve a problem with the same mind that created it.
However, by simply re labeling it, the problem disappears and I'm left with five
other options - COLTS (which, by the way, are adorable baby horses and who can
be upset with them?). I can maintain a positive attitude and transform a outwardly
depressing situation into one that is innocuous. And that, my friends, makes my
life a whole lot easier.
Order The Secret Side of Anger, Second Edition
or The Great Truth @ http://www.pfeifferpowerseminars.com/pps1-products.html
Listen to past shows on iHeart Radio @ http://www.iheart.com/talk/show/53-Anger-911-Radio/
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