Life isn\u2019t always easy. Okay\u2026 it\u2019s hardly ever easy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s easy to avoid dealing with painful and uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. We procrastinate by overanalyzing, rethinking, over-thinking, second-guessing, or falling into passive-aggressive behaviors. These are a few common coping mechanisms we use to avoid facing problems that we know we\u2019ll have to face sooner or later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life is exhausting enough without pouring unwanted conflict and turmoil into the mix. So what do we do? Run and hide; avoid. But who wants to spend their whole life running from their problems? It\u2019s too miserable, unhappy, and stressful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life should be savored and enjoyed. And for that to happen, we must stop avoiding our problems so a brighter, happier future can be ours \u2013 a fearless future filled with love, hope, and purpose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some ideas to help us stop avoiding our conflicts and troubles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Greenberg, the author of the book The Stress-Proof Brain, advises splitting the problem into manageable chunks and taking action on the easiest ones first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, she says that if you\u2019re looking for a new job, divide this large process into \u201cupdating your r\u00e9sum\u00e9, finding and contacting references, studying the positions you desire, speaking with individuals you know who work in the field, and so on.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If the relationship with your significant other is in trouble, take time to research therapists in your area, choose one, call and make an appointment, discuss your situation, explore next steps, and start working to improve one or two things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Research how other people faced and solved a similar problem. Learn from them. And take charge of the matter by dividing and conquering. You\u2019ll feel less overwhelmed and more in control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is your social network an underappreciated resource? Do you feel alone in your struggle against problems that seem beyond your control? Do you catch yourself wondering if anyone really cares? Are you reluctant to \u201cburden\u201d a close friend with your problems?<\/p>\n\n\n\n If so, take a look at your social network. Surely, at least one person would be glad to serve and support you as you face and overcome your challenge. They would be happy to offer words of encouragement, pray with you, or even help in more tangible, practical ways as time and energy allow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You are not alone. You\u2019re loved. And someone cares about you. You just need to give them a chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find them. Enlist their encouragement and support. Don\u2019t suffocate them. And don\u2019t be needy or take advantage of them. Rely on them appropriately. Remember, they\u2019re not your therapist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t have to solve life\u2019s problems on your own. Journeying alone creates stress and overwhelm, which tempts you to avoid and run away from your problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your support system seems thin, get to work making some friends! But don\u2019t go begging for help. Be a friend first by supporting them and serving their needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if you\u2019ve decided to spend less, track how much you spend and what you spend money on; stay within your spending target. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re trying to eat better by consuming less sugar, track your sugar intake, and stick to your nutrition goal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose a trusted friend to hold you accountable. Tell them what you\u2019re doing and invite them to ask you regularly how you\u2019re doing. Ask them to be there for you by checking in on your progress. And make sure you take the initiative to update them on your progress so they can celebrate with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to stop running away from your problems, then get honest and real with yourself that running away isn\u2019t a solution; it just makes things worse. Much worse. You can face your problem and have a little pain now, or you can stick your head in the sand and have a LOT of pain later. Either way, it\u2019s going to hurt. But you get to choose how much pain you\u2019re going to have. <\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter how fast you run or where you run to, you will never be able to outrun your problems. Running away from problems is a faulty protection mechanism we use to avoid pain. But running away doesn\u2019t change the fact that the root cause still exists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoidance solves nothing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Facing our problems is the pathway to freedom and a better life. (Often, facing our problems starts by looking in the mirror.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like it or not, you must confront the pain to heal the problem. Maybe it\u2019s having that difficult conversation you\u2019ve been putting off or logging a few extra hours in the evening to start your new business instead of watching TV after a hard day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Problems are warning signs that something needs to change. It might take time, energy, and courage to face them, but you\u2019ll finally have the mental and emotional peace you long for when you solve them. And, as a bonus, you\u2019ll be stronger, more hopeful, and have a brighter future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Life isn\u2019t always easy. Okay\u2026 it\u2019s hardly ever easy. It\u2019s easy to avoid dealing with painful and uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. We procrastinate by overanalyzing, rethinking, over-thinking, second-guessing, or falling into passive-aggressive behaviors. These are a few common coping mechanisms we use to avoid facing problems that we know we\u2019ll have to face sooner or…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":6171,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[77,1616,387,389],"aware":[1752],"class_list":["post-6458","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all","tag-attitude","tag-conflict","tag-happiness","tag-outlook","aware-attitude"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nRely on Your Support System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hold Yourself Accountable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In Your Heart, You Know That Running Away Is Not A Solution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n