Design of Difficulty

"It seems that difficulty is woven into the design of life,

so that we need the presence of others

to help us through and bring each other alive."

Trent Gillis

Once we override thoughts of withdrawal, we can reach out to trusted relationships when life drops a surprise package of problems in our laps. Friends create an emotional place of safety whenever life presents us with a challenge. We carry solutions within ourselves, and we need others to listen as we process our thoughts.  We will hear our truth and will be empowered to move forward.

To be empowered does not mean we travel through crisis at lightning speed, but it does give us a sense of direction and confidence to see our situation through.  As long as we view challenge as darkness falling down upon us, we will remain a victim.  When we can visualize a plan of action, we move into solving our dilemma to arrive safely on the other side.

When we are the person asked to support our friend, there is an increased need to truly listen so we can feed back what we have heard.  We must not be the problem solver, but the assistant in finding the way for our loved one.  It is important not to be the caretaker of the person or to own the challenge personally.  We best help others by being a safe port during the storm.