Untangling Life’s Knots

Sometimes life seems to get all tangled up in a mess. And when you really look at the knot of troubles, you may feel the anxious stab of discouragement telling you it’s hopeless: “The knot is just too tangled! This mess is way too big!” I certainly have felt this way at times, and I’ll bet you have, too. But we are far more capable of untangling life’s knots and overcoming our messes than we often think we are. And if you will practice the following simple steps the next time your life challenges are threatening to overwhelm you, you can discover for yourself the truth of your own greater ability to triumph over trouble.

1. Step back, take a breath, and pray for a clear mind to face and solve your obstacles. You may be amazed how much difference this will make. It helps to keep your mind from unfairly magnifying the power of the problem, and it really sets you up for the next step in this process…
2. Look for the first step you can take toward progress. Sometimes we can’t seem to nail down and take the very first step, because we are paralyzed by the sight of so many steps we will likely have to take to really get our knot untangled. And then we remain stuck and feeling helpless. You can’t take all those necessary steps until you have taken the first one. Find it and take it.
3. Once you have taken a step forward, look for just the next step forward, and take that one. Keep proceeding just one step at a time. That’s all we can really do, anyway. But sometimes we need to remind ourselves of this calming, freeing reality.
4. Ask for help whenever you need it. I hate to play the stereotype, but fellas (and other knuckleheads), I’m looking at you. Well, us, really. The truth is I qualify in both those categories! When we can let go of our pride that deceives us into believing we have to be able to do it all on our own, we can receive the blessings of becoming more whole and capable people as part of a community of individuals who help each other when we need it.
5. Repeat Steps 1-4 as often as needed until your knot is untangled. You may not need to repeat steps 1 or 4 at all. Or you may need to repeat one or both of them many times. That’s okay. Use them every time you need them. And take time to celebrate your freedom and peace once that big ole nasty knot is untangled. Don’t forget to include in your celebration all the wonderful souls who helped you along the way!

This simple process really works – even on the tangliest of knots. I know. I have to remind myself to practice these steps on the regular. Just take a look at the image below…I did it!!!