One day I was pulling weeds in my garden and noticed a thorny greenbrier vine growing beside my coneflowers. No matter how many times I cut the thorny menace off at the ground, the prickly vine grew back. Frustrated with its resilience, I grabbed my hoe and beat the tough stem of the vine, breaking up the ground, destroying the roots in the soil. After that, the vine never returned.
Pigweed frequents my yard. I have loped the tall stalks off above the ground only to come back a week later to have two stalks sprouting from the base. When I don’t eliminate a problem plant from the roots it returns with a vengeance.
This applies to my emotional well-being, as well. Having a problem I can’t seem to overcome or get over is a symptom of a deeper issue. I have to dig deeper until I uncover the root.
Why Does It Bother Me?
Sometimes I can find the root by asking myself why it bothers me or why I did what I did.
I find the source of my troubles easier when I don’t blame other people or use self-deceiving means to justify my behavior, my words or my actions.
By taking full responsibility, I can detangle the roots and recognize the behaviors that keep me from living my best life.
I Have To Be Honest With Myself
Often I can find the root of my issue by examining the thoughts that led to it. Were my thoughts based on reality or old patterns of reacting? How is that a problem for me? This helps me sort out my feelings, my choices and my responsibilities. I have to be honest with myself. If I deny a problem exists, ignore it or stuff my feelings, I only make the situation worse. Not dealing with an issue or burying it deeper robs me of my peace of mind.
What Can I Do Differently?
To untangle the root and dig it out, I may need to spend some quiet time with myself.
I can journal, talk to a close friend or pray and meditate. With some matters, I may write a description of what’s bothering me or sketch my feelings.
Other times I simply need to stop in the moment, find a place where I can be alone, acknowledge the problem and ask myself what I can do differently.
When I maintain my spiritual, emotional and physical health, I am better able to identify what no longer works in my life and get to the root of my issues faster. This simple endeavor makes the rough times in my life a little smoother and moves me one step closer to claiming happiness for my future.
Now when I have a problem, I dig down deep and yank it out by the roots.
How do you overcome difficulties in your life?