Can I Have Mine Back?

I attended a conference many years ago where we were learning life skills. And the speaker had us particpate in an interesting group exercise. We had a piece of paper on our chair and we were asked to write down the one thing we are struggling with most. Once we had our piece of paper filled, we had to fold it up and put it into a basket. The pieces of paper were then shuffled within the basket. 

Sometimes we feel like the problems we have are insurmountable. Like we have more than we can bear. When this happens we can get anxious, angry, fretful, and may even start down the road to depression. All the terrible things that may happen begin to swirl around in our heads and lead us down that dark, ominous path called self pity. We throw a party and all our emotions show up – loathing, worry, fear, anger, regret, anxiety, panic, then more worry and more anxiety. Add a bit of isolation and a small does of internet searching and the problem cocktail is ready to serve. In our minds we have blown it up bigger, made it more terrifying and more tragic than it was twenty minutes ago. Back to the basket of problems…

The speaker passed the basket and asked us to take one piece of paper, pick it at random. Now read what someone else in the room had to deal with. There were may sighs of shock and a few tears began to flow. The speaker then asked who wanted their  original problem back – every hand in the room went into the air. No matter what problem we read on that little slip of paper, ours was not so bad anymore. 

Sometimes you simply need perspective when dealing with what is right in front of you. You need to talk to someone else and hear what THEY are dealing with to appreciate your own world. You need to stop letting your emotions get the better of you. Play the cards you have been dealt and the cards you have chosen. Play them to the best of your ability then get out of the game. Move onto the next issue, and by all means stop feeling sorry for yourself. Pity will not help you. Next time you are feeling overwhlemed and sorry for yourself, ask someone else what they are dealing with. My guess is you will want your problem back.