Often, I've come across individuals who, while in conversation, will stumble into a rendition about 'how miserable life is.' The adult children are wrecking havoc in the home, the job's not going well, money is short, and a whole other slew of treacherous stories. During the conversation, I would interject, 'but how does this effect you personally?'
Much to my dismay, that query is usually left unanswered. Clearly we have all been in similar communication and being the compassionate persons we are, we might ask, 'so what are you going to do about it?' The most common response, 'I don't know...' or '...I can't do anything about it...'
That's when the conversation get's sticky. Now that the other person has literally poured out his heart to you about all the demons in his life, we human beings are compelled to offer our intricate advice on how to deal with their problems. Though well intended, most of our advisement will fall on deaf ears when the individual in question, is inviting misery in her life.
What do I mean by 'inviting misery?' Who would invite misery into his life? We are all guilty of inviting misery into our lives at one time or another. Suddenly, we are faced with a problem and because the problem has clouded our logic, we can not and will not accept helpful advice. Instead, we harp on the problem. We permit the problem or problems to rule our individual lives and lifestyles. Because we succomb to the problem, we begin to 'live' the problem. How does that happen? We begin to live the problem when all we can do is rant and rave about it, but subsequently, do nothing about it.
So now we're back to square one.
Here is a hypothetical example:
Joe is no one in particular - he could be your best friend, co-worker or brother. He is a divorced man in his mid-40s, works in a factory or office, and has raised two children by himself. His son is a narcissist who has a devil-may-care attitude and neglects his child. You're in mid-conversation and now you're faced with Joe's married son's issues. Joe begins to tell you all about how his son leaches off of him, brings his dirty laundry for him to wash, neglects his grandson, and doesn't listen to him for any parental advice. Joe has become so consumed by his son's wreckless behavior and unwillingness to modify his lifestyle that Joe himself has become a nervous wreck. So what do you do? You offer your friend your 'helpful' advice: 'Stop letting your son run your life...if he's not taking care of his child, turn him in...' What happens next is inevitable: "I CAN'T do that!"
Now this is where we are ultimately faced with a critical dilemma. We have now invaded Joe's private space and have warranted retalliation because Joe doesn't really want to solve his problems. Joe just wants to complain about problems that aren't his. It's his son - of course they're his problems - wrong.
But how does that invite misery? Well, it doesn't invite misery into our own lives, but it does in Joe's case. Joe knows that he has all the tools at his disposal to fix part or all of the situation. It's not that Joe can't fix the problem, it's that he doesn't want to fix the problem. Repairing situations takes effort, dedication and sometimes, sacrifice - it is much easier to complain about it. In Joe's case, turning his son in for neglect may sever the ties of his complex father-son relationship. He feels instant guilt and betrayal should he file a report. He doesn't want to stop his son from using him because he may sever ties of communication with him. Instead, he would rather uphold an abusive relationship with his own grown son, knowing that his grandson is in harm's way for the sake of preserving his relationship with him. This is a classical example of inviting misery into one's life.
Joe has subconsciously invited misery to become his partner in everyday life. He lives in constant debate on whether he's doing the 'right thing.' He is angry that his son has grown into a volatile person, and he is scared for his grandson's health. But still, he accepts this self-induced fate. Joe cannot control the actions of his son, but, he can control his own actions. If he permits his son to burden him with his behavior, dirty laundry and leaching, then he has invariably created his own problem. If Joe has knowledge that his grandson is being neglected, it is by choice that he allows the neglect to continue. Only Joe has the power to choose.
As human beings, we are often faced with difficult choices in life. And many times, it is much easier to worry and complain. Though difficult decisions may arise, we still have the option to create more livable environments by directing ourselves in more constructive pattens. There are many 'Joes' out there with lesser or more complex problems than the fictional Joe in this article; however, you - nor I - can help him. Joe has to help himself first.
*If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis and needs help resolving personal issues, please feel free to review our holistic and consumer resources directories at HolisticJunction.com for counseling help today.
Disclaimer: Literature is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute the advice provided by a licensed health professional
? 2005 - Are You Inviting Misery into Your Life?
by C. Bailey-Lloyd aka. LadyCamelot
C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot is the Public Relations Director & Staff Writer for holistic junction -- Your source of information for holistic junction; holistic junction; other Alternative Healthcare; Insightful Literature and so much more!
move in cleaning service Mundelein ..How you feel about yourself truly does affect your interaction... Read More
Know thyself.These words were inscribed in the vestibule of the... Read More
Hospital patient undergoing surgery recounts how Hero Soul provided strength,... Read More
We are all involved in this game called life and... Read More
No one likes rejection. And yet it happens. Here's how... Read More
Turn negative thoughts into positive ones.Negative thoughts can be very... Read More
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't... Read More
I don't want to say people are basically negative but?..if... Read More
I need your help. I did a good deed recently,... Read More
Distortions are False Beliefs Programmed every Day by Self and... Read More
Most of what we've been taught about how to be... Read More
I have a 440-page guide on how to simplify my... Read More
Heard of a raindance? It is a ritual used by... Read More
Normally I race around multitasking. I am always thinking about... Read More
An Attitude of Gratitude. How important is this to you... Read More
Lately, I've been hearing that it's not okay to have... Read More
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious."... Read More
Thinkers know better than to be racist. It's generally understood... Read More
When you're feeling "low," or out of the flow, it's... Read More
The only thing between you and your desire to be... Read More
Do you know the problem with affirmations? You know, the... Read More
Problems, disappointments and trouble; the three skunks that sometimes think... Read More
Peak Performance. It means being at the top of your... Read More
Have you truly tried and still failed? Have you pushed... Read More
The other day I bought an unusual piece of software:... Read More
insured cleaning company Highland Park ..Have you ever considered that you may be subconsciously sabotaging... Read More
Cheri decided that she wanted to grow an apple tree... Read More
Look at this glass on the table in front of... Read More
Did you know that our thoughts may be influencing our... Read More
The way to define your personality is to refine your... Read More
Normally I race around multitasking. I am always thinking about... Read More
Have you ever read that you should think positively when... Read More
Imagine what your life would be like if you could... Read More
If you think you are a loser, you train or... Read More
The most happy and successful people on earth have a... Read More
Your response (reaction?) to change is conditioned by your entire... Read More
Lately, there has been a collective challenge to avoid being... Read More
They're out there? they look like people you know, but... Read More
In my work as a professional coach, I've had the... Read More
I have a 440-page guide on how to simplify my... Read More
Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Is the glass... Read More
Have you ever known someone like this? "A person who... Read More
Contrary to the popular saying "attitude is everything" attittude is... Read More
When you have a case of FABS, it may be... Read More
Are you aware of your inner dialogue? If not, you... Read More
"Who am I fooling?" "I'm a loser," "I'm too old,"... Read More
Kasia is a talented landscape designer who speaks several languages,... Read More
Have you heard of the FABS? The FABS are quadruplets;... Read More
"Where are your bananas?" It seemed like a logical question... Read More
"Every prayer - every thought, every statement, every feeling -is... Read More
Positive Attitude Tips |