Often when clients and friends tell me their problems and issues, the stories get very complex. Who did what to whom and when; how that made them feel. …but then he/she did this and it made them feel another way. I hear all the “ameliorating” circumstances; the justifications; all the actions and reactions of and to the various players; the interpretations and extrapolations of behaviors and emotions. In short, the whole soap opera.
It can be very cathartic to confide your feelings to an understanding listener, and I’m always happy to be that person…BUT…in my experience, most folks make things much more complicated than they really are. This, in turn, makes problems much harder to solve.
The fact is, every problematic situation, at its core, has just one or two basic, important components. When you take away all the unimportant, extraneous stuff, you’re left with the crux of the issue. Hey, you can orchestrate Frere Jacques with a New Orleans jazz band, a batteria of Brazillian drummers and the Vienna Boys Choir but it’s STILL Frere Jacques. Personal issues are much the same: you can jazz them up with all kinds of “drama,” but usually they boil down to something very basic and simple. Once you have that kernel, your choices become clear.
Often it’s helpful to have an experienced, objective and insightful professional help you distill the issue to its essence, Just a reminder…if you need me, I’m here! 🙂
The Art of Epiphany 