Problem?

I’ve been a hunter most of my life, but I don’t like being cold. Most hunting seasons are in the winter, so it’s often cold. That seemed to be a problem. For years I would just tough it out until I finally had enough. If I didn’t like being cold, I could either quit hunting or do something about it. However, being miserable  was not an option for me any longer.

I became really good at dressing to stay warm. I got the right kind of clothing and learned to put on several layers, usually one or two more than I think I might need. That way if I got too warm I’d just take off layers until I was comfortable.

This situation reminded me of a quote I read years ago. I don’t remember who wrote it or exactly how it goes, but it’s something like this.

If a problem has no solution then it isn’t a problem but a fact of life. If it has a solution then the real problem is having the determination to act on the solution to solve the situation.

For years I was often cold when I went hunting. The problem wasn’t the cold weather, that was a fact of life. It only seemed to be a problem because I didn’t like it. The real problem was me not dressing so I would be warm. Once I addressed the real problem I found a solution. Now when faced with an issue I don’t like I go through the same thought process.

First, what is the problem and is there a solution? If not, I consider it a fact of life and move on. I do my best to keep in mind that other people are not under my control, just like the weather. Who they are is a fact of life. What I can do is adapt to them like I did the weather.

Second, if it has a solution, then I address the real problem. Am I willing to do what is necessary to adopt it? This is where I need to be completely honest with myself. If I pretend to deal with the situation, but am not committed to what needs to be done I am frustrated. That makes the situation even worse. If the honest answer is no, then again I treat it as a fact of life and move on. There is no point in giving it more of my attention.

Finally if I am willing to do something about it then I get started. Going through these steps gives me more clarity and focus regarding the situation and what I need to do. What is not an option is being miserable about what’s going on. Life is way too short for that. It’s up to me to go through this process. I find that to be the solution, not the problem.

May you have enough today, one moment at a time.