Questions We Ask Ourselves

Often, we look at things only one way. I’m guilty of this. 

When a caregiving situation becomes a challenge, I might ask myself, "Why can't things ever go right for a change?" When I fall into this self-pity pit, I shift my thinking; there are other questions I ask myself to ease my frustration.

If you are stuck in sadness or bitterness, try asking yourself these questions:

"How else could I respond to this experience? What small action can I take right now to make things a little bit better?  How have others handled my problem? What can I learn from them? What would I say to someone in my situation if I wanted to help him or her?"

The answer to this last question sometimes solves the dilemma all by itself.

Making negative sweeping statements to ourselves is damaging on so many levels. Statements like: "I'll never be able to do this," or "This will never end," entrench us in a mucky pond of misery. Once we accept that we are being swiftly carried in the current of a dynamic life, we know we'll glide over the jagged rocks and once again bask in a pool of calm, silvery water, so we'll hang in there for the ride, no matter how unsettling the journey, because the good times make the bad times worth it.