Living In The Solution

Living in the solution rather than the problem is the healthiest and most freeing way to live. Sometimes, the solution can be uncomfortable and require more effort. However, when we stay in the problem, we face long-term consequences rather than short-term results.

Jack and Joan have not followed a budget and find themselves in credit card debt, paying over 25% in interest rates. This means that for their $20,000.00, if they pay $500.00 a month, it will take six years to pay off the loan, and they will have paid almost $ 16,000.00 in interest. Had they focused on paying off their credit card debt quickly, they could have invested that $16,000 and earned money instead of losing it. The best solution to any debt is to have none other than essential living loans, such as a home or an automobile (or, in some cases, sound business loans). Jack and Joan’s credit should be managed so it is paid in full every month. Otherwise, they are living beyond their means. The solution to any debt is to have and maintain a budget. If they want to spend more, they need to find ways to increase their income, such as additional training, seeking promotions, or part-time self-employment, to name a few options.

Mary is concerned about her fifteen-year-old son’s drinking and drug use. He stays out late, and she notices the smell of marijuana in his room. He’s struggling in school and making poor choices. Whenever she tries to talk to him, he becomes annoyed and storms out. Eventually, things become so bad that he flunks out of school and can’t find a job. Problems shouldn’t always reach a crisis before they are addressed. Confronting self-destructive behavior is uncomfortable, but it’s much better than waiting for serious consequences. Mary has several options before disaster occurs. She could work with the school and a counselor to create a plan. She could legally require her son to seek treatment. She could also examine and stop her own enabling behaviors. These steps may be uncomfortable, but they are healthy and often life-saving solutions.

Sally has been dating Bill for two years. Although he insists on his fidelity, she doubts his honesty, but marries him anyway. She has caught him looking at pictures of women on apps and sometimes cannot reach him for long periods without good explanations. Her instincts are telling her to find out the truth, but Bill calls her “crazy,” and she dismisses those feelings. One day, Sally receives a call from a man claiming Bill is having an affair with his wife. He tells her their current location. Sally drives to the hotel and sees her husband leaving with the other woman. She feels double heartbreak—betrayed by Bill and by her own denial of her instincts. If she had trusted herself earlier, she might have let go sooner, been better off emotionally and financially, and avoided years of unresolved angst.

Every problem has a solution. It may seem easier to avoid what makes us anxious, but those issues never disappear on their own. We all deserve peace of mind that comes from addressing problems and finding answers. While it’s natural to want to avoid stress, we must remember that stress is like a muck fire; it smolders beneath the surface until it eventually bursts out of control and rages on.

Unresolved problems weigh us down with worry and solving them frees us to enjoy life without feeling haunted by looming threats. A life centered on solutions rather than problems guarantees the happiness you deserve.

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