You are greater than your problems.

Let me explain. 

The definition of problem is: 

a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome. 

Of course, problems exist on a spectrum.

From small annoyances to the unforeseen experiences that change us, we’ve all had problems. 

In fact, one could argue that it is a part of the human condition, that we will all face moments and situations that are not of our choosing. 

We know problems will come. And yet, why does it feel so surprising when they do? 

My point is that whether you realize it or not, when problems arise, a specific narrative shows up for you. 

Do you know which one it is? 

Have you ever considered how you respond to the unwanted, unplanned, and unforeseen events that show up in your life? 

I recently read a book that had an impact on me. 

The words jumped out of the page. 

The author described how people are either greater than their problems or they become smaller than their problems. 

Can you imagine the difference in narrative that occurs between people who are greater than their problems and those who become smaller than their problems? 

It got me thinking about how I have recently been dealing with problems in my own life. 

Am I greater than my problems or have I become smaller and allowed my problems to feel bigger than me? 

Last year I found myself in multiple unprecedented situations. 

My life coach, Richard Casey, has often told me that we are put through experiences in our lifetime so that we can emerge from them and show others the path forward. 

We can guide and be a resource for someone else given our lived experiences. 

The truth is that all of last year was an exercise preparing me for this moment. 

My experience throughout this year led me to uncover old narratives that need to be re-written, re-authored, and reprogrammed in real time. 

And this is a perfect example to share with you.

What happened last year was a string of events that were unexpected and unplanned. The compound of multiple situations, that I perceived as problems, had an impact on me. 

Here is what I observe of myself looking back through the experiences of the past year:

1. The situations were novel for me. I had no prior experience to draw from, and I was jolted by the unfamiliar. In a way, it was akin to losing my balance. That is how it felt. I was unprepared, unsure, and most certainly caught off guard. 

2. Multiple events occurred all of which were novel. Instead of dealing with one, they were simultaneously occurring in my life. 

3. There is an analogy here that reminds me of one’s immunity. When your immune system is compromised you are more susceptible to illness and infection. My response to these unwanted events, weakened my sense of Self, and made me more susceptible to feelings and emotions that disempowered my Self. 

Without consciously realizing it (or deciding it), I allowed my problems to feel bigger than me. 

How do I know? 

I was tired. 

Fearful.

Mourning & Grieving. 

Attempting to force resolutions prematurely. 

Anxious.

Stressed.

Seeking outside counsel and validation from others. Disconnected from my inner guidance. 

Easily distracted. 

Derailed.

When a person is smaller than their problems over time they begin to contract. 

They give into the old narratives. This is a choice. Whether I was cognizant of that choice or not. 

The exhaustion feels real. 

The overwhelm feels real. 

Who I was BEING was a different version of myself. The old version of myself. 

And the feelings feel real. 

Even though they are simply a perspective. 

AM I BEING TOO HARD ON MYSELF? 

Maybe. 

Maybe not. 

Remember that I am only reporting what I felt and thought to be true. 

I did go through a lot last year. I did have to face situations that I was not prepared for. 

However, let’s go back to this book that inspired me to write this narrative. 

When we are greater than our problems we know we will overcome whatever situation we face. 

Whatever situation we face does not define us. 

We know that problems always contain opportunities within them. 

And we know that this too shall pass. 

When a person is greater than their problems they are able to expand and create. 

The people who live BIG lives operate, and act greater than their problems. 

They create, manage, and grow precisely because they understand that no situation or obstacle defines them.

And the truth is that I am SO inspired to have a life that expands. 

When we are greater than our problems, we can handle bigger lives, if that is our choice. 

Consider someone who runs multiple businesses, investments, and has a large team and staff around them. They certainly have situations and problems that occur. 

And yet, they are larger than their problems, and they are able to handle more as a result of this narrative and belief. 

Here are some ways that we can all ensure we are greater than our problems:

1. Acknowledge when you face a situation or a matter that is unknown and novel for you. Give yourself grace. 

2. Accept the situation you are in. The sooner you accept something, the easier it will be to move forward through experience. 

3. Be neutral. Nothing is inherently good or bad. It is often the meaning that we attach to situations that foster us being greater than or smaller than our problems. 

4. Center yourself. This is the time to strengthen your connection to self. Stop asking for advice. Sit with your Self. Meditate, journal, ask yourself questions. Avoid activities and people that disconnect you. 

5. Embrace it. Recognize that a bigger life requires embracing the unknown and facing unexpected occurrences. It’s not meant to be a smooth ride. The bumps will occur. 

How can you identify when you are acting smaller than your problems? 

You will likely feel tired, resigned, worrisome, doubtful, fearful, anxious and completely disconnected from yourself. 

Catch yourself in any of these energetic states and remind yourself that you are greater than your problems. 

Ask yourself the following questions:

What would you have me do?

Where would you have me go?

When would you have me go?

Who is involved?

And allow the space for the answers to reveal themselves to you. 

Stay focused on your internal guidance until they do.  

And here is the thing, even if you are not inspired to have a bigger life, knowing that you are greater than your problems will allow you to experience more joy, love, peace, and contentment. 

Doesn’t that sound nice? It sure does!  

As I rewrite this narrative for myself, each time that I catch myself feeling annoyed or disturbed by a situation or matter in my life, I gently remind myself that I am greater than my problems. 

I am not defined by any situation. 

My ability to expand continues.

Everything is happening for me (and not to me) 

And, this is merely part of the journey of my life. 

The realization of this new narrative is one that empowers me. 

My hope is that it empowers you too.

With love,

Marissa