Managing Problems
Two bestfriends drive home after an uneventful day in high school. They are done with classes and ready to relax. As they begin preparing a casual lunch on the pale winter afternoon, the day suddenly tilts. One girl slices her thumb nearly off with a large razor sharp butcher knife. At the sight of her own bright blood, the injured girl's eyes roll back in her head and she starts shaking violently. Her friend has very little time to decide what to do. Should she call her parents? Should she call her friend's parents? Should she call 911? Should she drive her friend to the hospital?
An elderly man wakes well before dawn. As his mind clears, his legs ache as if ice has been injected into his joints. Should he take some medication and attempt to go back to sleep? Should he watch tv and try to forget about the pain? Should he get dressed and try to loosen his legs up with a long walk?
A middle aged woman is tired of her life. She feels underappreciated and vaguely disconnected. Should she reach out to her family/friends? Should she shop until she is numb? Should she volunteer her time away? Should she quit getting out of bed in the morning?
We brush up against many decisions everyday throughout life. When we encounter a problem with no apparent answer, we can change our perspective. By expanding our view we invite possibilities. When we focus on solutions and choices, the problem becomes more manageable.