No matter what’s going on in our lives, the human brain seems to center on problems.
Once we solve one problem, that solution evaporates from our minds, and the brain seeks out the next problem.
As with anything, there are pros and cons to our natural focus on problems. We solve issues but we can also feel overwhelmed and negative about the future, as we never get a break from this unceasing line-up of problems.
As usual, I have a problem with how I’m writing this post, but I’m still moving on to the next paragraph.
Here’s a quote from a book I have no problem recommending:
If we take a snapshot of our inner problems, we will see that each person has what we’ll call “the problem of the day.” This is the thing that is bothering them the most at any given moment. When the current problem isn’t bothering them, then the next one pops up, and when that one isn’t bothering them, the next one pops up. That is what your thoughts are about. Your thoughts tend to focus on what is bothering you today. Your thoughts are about the problem, why it is bothering you, and what you can do about it. If you don’t do something about this, it will go on for the rest of your life.
The Untethered Soul, Michael A. Singer
People sometimes talk about “First World Problems” — acknowledging that their current problems are much less difficult than other people’s who are suffering far more.
Here’s a definition of First World Problem:
When my mind is focused on people whose problems include loss of home, limbs, life, loved ones, or a peaceful future, I have a problem sympathizing with people who have problems like the one in the definition above.
As usual, I have no problem sharing my thoughts, feelings, and recent images with you here.
It’s no problem for me to write down my story here, no matter what day it is.
I know some of my readers have a problem if I don’t include our cats in my posts, so here’s Joan!
Here’s what I find on YouTube when I search for “problems.”
I also find this:
And I find a problem that was featured in the show “The Good Life.”
If you have a problem with (or any other reaction to) this “Problems” post, I hope you leave a comment below.
I have no problem expressing my gratitude for my blessings and for all who help me create these daily posts, including YOU.
So, why do we concentrate on problems? Is it because there is not enough happiness? Have a nice day, Ann
Good question!
By the time that Joan brought the mouse back, I was no longer expecting her to. I thought you would have to go down the stairs and fetch Joan and her toy. Surprise ending!
I had not heard of William Least Heat-Moon before but was able to instantly borrow that book from our local library, as an e-book. Thank you for the recommendation.
No problem, Maureen!
If the trolley problem is changed to have a choice of five single people versus one single mother of four young children then what would your groups choose? Also five pensioners versus one 20 year old? Difficult decisions!
Very difficult decisions!
Louisa May Alcott in Jo’s Boys wrote some very funny stuff about a writer who becomes so successful she’s pestered by fans who either want her to support a particular cause or just bask in her presence. She had an early experience with celebrity culture, and, while I understand she saw it as a problem, she also managed to write about it–turning her problems into lemonade.
I guess all problems can be a source for creativity, Chris.
I believe as humans, we all have problems, and some are life-threatening, while others may be considered trivial, but it is often our nature to consider our trivial problems to be bigger than they really are. I try whenever possible, to see the good in life, and see most of my problems as more annoyances, like mosquitos. I’ve also found many problems work themselves out, no matter what we do or don’t do.
Thanks for your wisdom as always, beth.
I’m working on what I have to catch my boss up on at work as she returns from a few days off, Ann.
I hope that problem disappears, Mark.