difficult situations come up.
situations that frustrate, oppress, bewilder, distress.
situations that require extra thought, increased strength, expanded bravery.
what do i do,
when i don’t know what to do?
honestly?
it’s hard.
at first i have no idea what to do.
so i cry.
i allow myself to feel the pain, the fear, the sadness, the confusion.
then i dry my tears and resolve to take action.
any action.
even if i know what i do won’t “fix” the problem.
action gives me courage and disrupts the pattern of questioning myself.
i journal, page after page.
then search for answers in my written words.
i talk with my husband.
and my sons.
my best friends.
even my cats.
i imagine the future . . .
if i proceed this way,
if things go in that direction.
and i try to sort out a logical path in my head.
sometimes i wait it out.
perhaps not patiently, not willingly.
but because that’s what’s called for.
usually i forge ahead.
see what each day brings,
and continue to make conscious choices.
moment by moment if necessary.
i evolve.
i adapt.
i survive.
and you will too.
what do YOU do when you don’t know what to do?
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my new column: The Nourished Woman at mindfulist.com
my first article: The Process of Reawakening: Unwrapping Hope After an Eating Disorder
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Hmm.What I do when I don’t know what to do:
– Get some really good exercise
– Sleep on it
– Journal
– Ask for advice
This is beautifully written, poetic. I sleep on it, meditate, and discuss with my hubby or sister.
As usual, I love this April! I love how you talk about journaling and then reviewing what you wrote. I don’t typically look back over what I write, but perhaps I should. Like you, I try to ponder and then take some sort of action. Even the smallest action counts. This often reveals new possibilities to me. I’ve also been guilty of analysis paralysis, so taking action is the only way out of that. Thank you for the beautiful post!!
I do all of the above : cry, journal, talk, wait. Recently that list also includes pray and trust. These two (always together) add a whole new dimension and such surprising outcomes to the rest.
Hi, this is really very nice. I usually try to walk in the park, appreciate the small blessings i have each day, meditate and talk to some good friends. Thanks for sharing. Great Read.
Wonderful post! When I am not certain of what to do, I allow myself to truly feel emotions attached to it, if I can I give it time, talk to another objective person for input, and step back to look at the situation objectively myself. Sometimes the answers are right there and it’s the emotional attachment which is in the way of seeing it. I always remember that, no matter what, everything will be okay.
What I heard from your words was that you stay open, aware, mindful and seeking when you don’t know what to do and what a perfect response. I think (I hope) I do the same. To me the most important thing to do is to NOT sink into overwhelm, fear & doubt. I try to just stay. Stay with the feelings, the emotions, the thoughts and stay open for my answers.
Lovely message April. Transition can be challenging energetically, the transformation is blissful and so worth it. Love this message xx
I sleep or dance or walk or say whee or draw or dream or be still or trust – there are so many things to do and sense instead of just thinking about what to do! Love your poetry! Xxx
Hi, this is really amazing to read. I usually try to walk in the park, appreciate the small blessings i have each day, meditate and talk to some good friends. Thanks for sharing.