I'm embarrassed to tell you this, but...

I'm embarrassed to tell you this, but one time in 3rd grade, my watch got wet. I didn't want to wear a wet watch around so I microwaved it to dry it off a bit! Umm y'all, this was a terrible decision. I, in fact, broke my watch trying to implement a solution to my very small problem. I was only 8 years old so I'm going to give myself some grace here. You can see me sporting that watch as I mount my bike. :)  I'm sure you can think of some poor solutions you've implemented to your problems before. I can't be the only one!!

Recently, I made a Facebook post about our solutions matching our problems. You can watch it here. https://www.facebook.com/Healingheartscounselingla/videos/846046017693499. Also if you're not following me on Facebook, feel free to give Healing Hearts Counseling a like @ www.facebook.com/healingheartscounselingla.com. :) 

Anyway back to problems and solutions. Problems can really incite the downstairs irrational part of our brain so it would make sense that our solutions for our problems don't always fit. Have you ever watched a child playing on a tablet literally throw it or hit it because their game won't download or work. I'm no tech expert, but I'm pretty sure that's a terrible solution to the problem. I've watched adults do this too. My boys and I literally watched an NFL player throw and crack an iPad on the sidelines after witnessing a terrible play. If a bad play is your problem and your goal is to win the game, throwing the iPad just isn't a solution. Why hasn't the NFL contacted me for problem management strategies yet?!

Sometimes just because I love being hilarious, my kids, their friends, or my husband will declare to me that they've lost something. In which I then proceed to call it. You're missing a backpack, no worries, let me see if it will come when I call it. "Here backpack! Come here backpack! Hmm, that's weird, your backpack doesn't respond to the sound of my voice I guess." Obviously, that's a terrible solution to the problem of the lost backpack, but occasionally (and by occasionally I mean quite often!), you have to make room for some fun to demonstrate their's probably a better solution. In this case, simply taking the time to walk around the house looking for it could fit the bill for that problem. 

Consider your solutions to any of your problems. If it's closeness and agreement that you're looking for, then yelling probably isn't your solution. If it's pants that fit tight, burying your tight-pant sorrows in a pint of ice-cream probably isn't your best solution. There is plenty of room for ice cream in your life, it just happens to be a terrible coping skill. 

Here's my challenge to you. Think of some of your persistent problems, then consider the solutions you've implemented. You can decide if these solutions have actually been effective at solving these problems or just reactive to the problem. If they have been only reactive and not very effective at solving the problem, it's worth considering some different solutions. Be creative, ask for help, spend some time thinking and praying about it. 

You know what else is helpful? Professional counseling. Counselors know how to help you identify what's really wrong, work to find solutions that work, and help you implement those solutions. 

Something I say often, is "this a problem with a solution." You've spilled chocolate milk everywhere--this is a problem with a solution. You've got homework--this is a problem with a solution. You have 83 emails to respond to--this is a problem with a solution. You have test anxiety--this is a problem with a solution. You get the point. I love looking at problems as opportunities for solutions, I hope you'll employ this new mindset too.