Problems, situations, choices

Daily Dhamma Courage isn't always about a sensational struggle, sometimes it's just, in the face of profound discouragement, finding the will to keep going. ~Cory Booker

Problems are really just evidence of life being lived. The term "problem" suggests there is a solution, doesn't it? Some things we call problems are not problems because they really have no solutions -- they simply must be accepted. They are situations.

A friend's teenage son ran away five days ago and is still missing. This is a problem.

A friend's sister died and left a widower who apparently is incapable of dealing with life. This is a situation for my friend, but is both a situation and problem for the widower.

A friend's father has been diagnosed with an inoperable tumor. This is not a problem for anyone. It is a situation that must be gone through. In one way or the other, an inevitability for all of us.

The bank is asking for yet more information from me. This is a problem.

Other things that are called problems are also not problems, but dueling choices. Do I do this or do I do that? Feels like a problem and can create anxiety, but once the decision is made, there is usually some relief. If you have problems, be grateful because there is at least the possibility of solutions. If you have situations, they too shall pass and become part of the tapestry of your life. If you have choices, rejoice! That means you don't have a situation or a problem.

Graties ~

1. My Three A Day group on Facebook which reminds me to be grateful for things like wax paper and Wikapedia (now that it's down for 24 hours, doncha miss it?).

2. The eggs my niece sends me from time to time, from her own cage free chickens.

3. Finding something to laugh about nearly every day.

This reminds me of my friend's story about being arrested for drunk driving in the vegetable aisle of FoodMax. Funny story.