"So what would actually help right now?" she asked her partner calmly after a long, thoughtful silence. She learned that a new problem arose. Her previous self would be so panicky and upset, but the grown-up one has changed for the better. She has been working to be more understanding, to see things through a different light. She pauses to process her emotions and responds more responsibly and thoughtfully, not impulsively.
It was just one of those days when things seem to be going against them. But she knew that they were not enough to make them crumble unless she allowed them. She understood that the setbacks are there to test their resolve, to push them beyond what they thought their limits were, and to show them just how much they can actually do. Every hurdle is a workout for their brain and heart, building their emotional muscles, making them stronger, braver.
Hence, the question. It helps them focus on dealing with the matter at hand and avoid the blame game.
Normally, she would be sighing out loud, cursing even, but not anymore. She has learned to accept that problems are a normal part of life. They rarely disappear entirely, but only get better over time. Avoiding them doesn't really help, nor does fighting them. Facing them squarely does.
She also learned from experience that viewing challenges as quests or missions is a good way to move forward. It's like a game where one levels up. Solve one, and another one unlocks. Kill one enemy, and a tougher one comes along, yet they make a gamer think, develop, and practice new strategies or skills.
Some people joke they are willing to trade theirs for a life without problems. But does such a life really exist? She highly doubts it. If it does, then one who lives it would probably be so bored. She imagined it wouldn't be so meaningful, or would it?
Image by Pramod Tiwari. 130672026/09:39ph
