“But still more fortunate is the newcomer to a group that does not allow such unburdening to continue, meeting after meeting.” (ODAT, 21 March)
Once I’ve articulated the situation and expressed any feeling I have in relation to a problem, I’m done with the presentation. The job is to get into the solution, and the time for handwringing, complaining, and self-pity is over. Once I realise I’ve said what I’m saying before, I stop myself and switch to the solution.
What is the solution?
- Establish what I can change and what I cannot change
- Resolve to cheerfully ignore what I cannot change
- Resolve to stop thinking or talking about what I cannot change
- Read ODAT and other literature to shortlist beliefs to adopt
- Ask God precisely what to do today (if anything)
- Do it: get active and busy and do not sit with negative feelings
- Dismiss any negative feelings as in breach of God’s will: for me to happy
- Guard my thinking like a hawk
- Share the solutions I’ve found with others