Who Is Knocking On The Door?

I recently heard a knock on my door and when I went there and opened it, there stood four unknowns to me.?They introduced themselves to me as Depression, Problems, Failure and Anger.?They wanted to pay me a visit.??They were polite because they wanted to come in but I took notice of each of them.?Fortunately, I already had guests called Pyaar (love), Shanti (peace) Gratitude and Appreciation.?I invited the four of them in and we sat down.?

I noticed that Depression, Problems, Failure and Anger were trying to sit closer to me, but I already had Pyaar, Shanti, Gratitude and Appreciation.?There did not seem to be enough room for all of them.?It was funny how Depression, Problems, Failure and Anger tried to make excuses to have Pyaar, Shanti, Gratitude and Appreciation get up, but they refused to move because they were comfortable being with me.?Depression sat there disappointed.?Problems found it a challenge because the others would not move. Failure sat quietly because it had happened again…not being able to accomplish.?Anger started to get loud.?No matter what Depression, Problems, Failure or Anger did make the others with me uncomfortable, but they remained calm, collected and polite.

I asked if they wanted anything for refreshments.?Depression said sadly, “No thanks, I am not hungry.”, Problems did not want to trouble me, Failure looked down because they could not decide, and Anger felt that I did not have anything they would like with.

Eventually, Anger just got up abruptly and left saying all of this was a waste of time and stormed out.?What was interesting is how Depression, Problems and Failure started to get into the conversation with Pyaar, Shanti, Gratitude and Appreciation.?Failure said that they were always feeling uncomfortable with how they looked at things negatively and when Gratitude and Appreciation started sharing how they take on challenges and it helps them reflect and be calm (now Problems was leaning in to what was being said), Gratitude and Appreciation said to Failure, “Maybe you are looking at things as final and not accomplished…maybe you are really not Failure but maybe you are Setback and you will rise if you take what you learn from the experience and grow.”. Failure started to get a smile and nodded.?Appreciation and Gratitude then leaned into Problems and said that perhaps it was time to realize that a challenge is not a burden or a bad thing and to go beyond the problem and find solutions.?Maybe Problems can lead to solutions and not just sit there as Problems.?Also, that they are the reason Failure was not feeling accomplished.?Maybe Problems needed to be present and encourage Failure so that it was more Setbacks and lead to a positive outcome.?Problems eyes opened wide and looked at Appreciation and Gratitude…”How did you know my surname name was Solutions…my middle name is Are…my full name is actually Problems Are Solutions!?”?Problems shared that they never really paid attention to their name but now realize that it was important to always share the full name.?Again, now Problems started to have a smile because they realized that they could contribute to someone else.?

Depression was a real challenge so Shanti and Pyaar sat beside them on either end and asked what was troubling them.?Depression started to share all that was going on but what Depression saw was a light in Shanti and Pyaar and it started to provide a glow to reignite the embers within Depression.?What Shanti and Pyaar shared was that it STARTS with you.?Depression looked confused and asked what was STARTS?

S – Support – Find support around you because you can not do this alone

T – Trust – By finding support, you can have a level of trust so you can share with someone in confidence

A – Appreciation – When Depression was present, they forgot to appreciate what was around them

R – Reflection – Think about the things you appreciate and add purpose and meaning

T – Talk – The art of conversation is so important because it guides all the parts

S – Strength – With START, we can move forward with strength and be in a more solid place.

Depression started to understand.?Shanti and Pyaar said it is not easy and it takes time but that they cared for Depression and slowly the light within grew.

Eventually, Depression said that they had to go but that their load was lighter, Problems Are Solutions (new full name) said that they would start looking at opportunities and not obstacles, Failure said they would take the lessons learned and change their name to Setbacks and align with Problems Are Solutions to grow as an individual.?What they all realized is that once Anger left, they were able to have a more meaningful conversation because the space allowed for them to be more themselves and open.

Sorry, how rude of me!?I did not introduce myself to you, my name is Self Care.?Have a lovely day and you are loved.