How to unravel your life’s problems
You’ve often heard me say, the way to solve most of your problems is to Just dua it, then do it.
I realise that this is not so simple for everyone. I also realise, too well, that when you are in the midst of one of life’s battles, you are too preoccupied, demotivated or lack the energy to take purposeful steps.
But…
Look around you. There is no one who is issue-free. Even if it looks like they’ve got it all put together, chances are that they don’t. Every single one of us is going through some test or the other, and all it takes is a positive mindset to help you surf the waves and go through it.
I love to crochet, and the last time I sat with a tangled ball of wool, I happened upon the thought: If only it were so easy to untangle ourselves from the problems we find ourselves in… And so, here goes:
Think of your life as a ball of yarn – a single, long strand which is wrapped and intertwined to form a neat ball. Sometimes, our ball develops knots that can’t be seen from the outside. Some knots may be simple to unravel, while others may take more effort, more time, and more concentration.
Let’s look at the different kinds of knots, and how they may equate with the problems we face in life:
Loop knots – Simple knots for simple problems
Loops are the easiest to unravel. Simply pull a cord and they become undone.
In real life, a loop is a habit that we may have fallen into. A habit that does not bring us joy any more. Pulling the cord means breaking the habit. Breaking the habit will likely resolve your problem completely, or make it more manageable to deal with.
Hitches – Knots that are attached to something
Hitches are problems which are related to something we are attached to.
In real life, a hitch is a problem that ties you to a person or situation. In this case, there may be a need to set some boundaries or, at the very least, question your connection with the hitch. Positive changes in the dynamics of the situation will make it more bearable or easier to manage.
Bends – Knots with two pieces of yarn tied together
A bend is a problem that can be likened to juggling.
In real life, a bend signifies an overlap of two aspects in your life. Is there a problem with your work-life balance? Perhaps it is a co-parenting issue? Or could your duties as a wife be interfering with your duties as a daughter, or vice versa?
Since these situations may involve others, this knot must be handled with care. The best way to open a knot like this is to find the easiest cord to loosen first. Then re-analyse the knot to figure out what damage, if any, was done to the overall situation. Working meticulously at it, in this way, will eventually unravel your knot.
Lashings – Strong knots that are created to tie things together
These knots are not simply tangled wool. In fact, they are created to perform a specific purpose. Thus, they are not meant to unravel easily, however, they can still be opened by skilled fingers who know which thread to pull.
In real life, these knots need to be untied with baby steps and by pulling one loose cord free at a time. By loosening a cord, I mean making a small change in your life with the purpose of affecting your situation slightly. Then evaluate the situation.
By pulling the cord, have you inadvertently changed the ‘shape’ of the knot? So, re-evaluate and figure out the best way to deal with it.
Be prepared for the knot to tighten or re-tangle many times before you are finally free of the problem. The key factor is to keep chipping away at it, have sabr (patience) and just dua it.
Stay well, inside and out
Waheeda, a.k.a Waydi
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