I have a few clients Who have been obsessingAbout problems this week. And the thing about being a storyteller?We love problems.

Because stories are really nothing without problems. Conflict! Drama! Issues!Even comedy. Pain!So we’re drawn to problems.Or maybe we were drawn to problemsAnd so we became storytellers. Either way. Here’s the thing.It’s like a plank of wood. You look at a plank of wood. Your eyes - our eyes at least - storytellers’ eyes - go to the knot. And a knot in a piece of wood Is where there was an infection. A problem. And the tree just grew around it.

But the knot is where our eye goes.Because it’s the most interesting part.The problem Is where it’s all happening!

But there’s the rest of the plank of wood.Without all that boring nothing going on part The knot wouldn’t be so interesting.It’s in the context of the un-problemsThat the problem becomes interesting. And yes. Looking at problems Is great for storytelling.But not always great for living. For living - as a storyteller As someone Who needs to stare at Even dig around in That knotted area -It is super helpful to - As you walk away from your desk - Look at the rest of the plank of wood.Look at solutions. Look at un-problems.Look at beauty.

Oh problems will arise. Sure. They always do.But you don’t have to always Be drawn to them. In the way that you always have to be drawn to them In your work. This shift in focus Will help give you the fortitudeTo get back into it tomorrow.When you will be at it again. Becuase you are writing every day.Right?

(If not - or if you are and struggling - I can help with that.)

And one other possible tactic.When you end up obsessing about the problem.See if you can convert it into a question. And then remind yourself to love the question. Sometimes solutions, answers, stories and peace of mind Can ride in on that love.

Infinitely Yours, Beth

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