Joy of Finding Solutions

 

    If you want to discover the joy in finding solutions, you have to stop looking back.  There is value in looking forward and setting goals.  The past is for educational reference, but it can't be changed.  There is no reason to dwell there.  

    The way to find solutions in life is to utilize your emotions as a tool, but not the driver in your life.  It takes skill to properly deal with emotions in a rational way.  It starts with owning your negative emotions.  You have to take responsibility for your thoughts and where they lead you.  

    Next, stop blaming other people for your life not being the way you want it to be.  This leads you to emotional health.  This does not mean that other people did not contribute to the problem.  It just means that you are taking ownership in fixing it.  No matter what people do to you, you are responsible for how you are going to handle and respond to it.

    Then comes acknowledging negative feelings are there.  Some negative feelings can't be ignored.  You have to find a healthy way to deal with them.  That means looking for solutions instead of dwelling on them.  Find a way to starve negative feelings to hold onto your joy.  

    Acknowledge your anger, discouragement, hurt, and irritation, but do not let them consume you.  Look at the big picture and remember what you are working toward.  Ask yourself what your goals are?  What do you want the outcome to be?  What do you envision?  Are the negative emotions going to help you get there?  The point is to put the problem in perspective and find a healthy, joy filling solution.

    Final step to keep the joy in the midst of problems is to temporarily retreat.  Take a minute to collect yourself and get on solid footing with God.  This is not running away from your problems.  This is taking the time you need to handle them in a healthy manner.  It is taking a step back to see it from a different perspective before making it a bigger problem.

Jeremiah 33:1-5, 2 Corinthians 10:13-14, Ephesians 4:31-32, Philippians 4:4-7, & James 1:2-4