Solving Problems

    Many of us lived in situations where it wasn't okay to identify, have, or talk about problems. Denial became a way of life - our way of dealing with problems.
    In recovery, many of us still fear problems.  We may spend more time reacting to a problem than we do to solving it.  We miss the point; we miss the lesson; we miss the gift.  Problems are a part of life. So are solutions.
   A problem doesn't mean life is negative or horrible.  Having a problem doesn't mean a person is deficient.  All people have problems to work through.
    In recovery, we learn to focus on solving our problems.  First, we make certain the problem is our problem.  If it isn't, our problem is establishing boundaries.  Then we seek the best solution.  This may mean setting a goal, asking for help, gathering more information, taking an action, or letting go.
    Recovery does not mean immunity or exemption from problems; recovery means learning to face and solve problems, knowing they will appear regularly.  We can trust our ability to solve problems, and know we're not doing it alone.  Having problems does not mean our Higher Power is picking on us.  Some problems are part of life; others are ours to solve, and we'll grow in necessary ways in the process.
    Face and solve today's problems.  Don't worry needlessly about tomorrow's problems,because when they appear, we'll have the resources necessary to solve them.
    Facing and solving problems - working through problems with help from a Higher Power - means we're living and growing and reaping benefits.
 
Help me face and solve my problems today.  Help me do my part and let the rest go.  I can learn to be a problem-solver.