Today–when searching for a tool for Tuesday–I read a quote from Charles F. Kettering, “A problem well-stated is a problem half-solved.” A problem can be like a secret, something we’re ashamed to share.
But we need to remind ourselves that when we share our secrets or problems with someone we trust, then someone else will help us carry the burden. And the added benefit is that we realize the secret wasn’t so atrocious to begin with. Often the other person will say, “Been there, done that, too.”
I’m not saying to go out and tell that stranger on the bus your life story. Find someone you know who will be able to respect your story. Our stories are the greatest gifts we can give to another.
Tool For Tuesday: If I’m carrying around a burden in my heart, let me find someplace to put it down.
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About dianabletter
Diana Bletter is the author of The Invisible Thread: A Portrait of Jewish American Women (with photographs by Lori Grinker), shortlisted for a National Jewish Book Award. Her novel, A Remarkable Kindness, (HarperCollins) was published in 2015. She is the First Prize Winner of Moment Magazine's 2019 Fiction Contest. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Commentary, tabletmag, Glamour, The Forward, The North American Review, Times of Israel, and is a freelance reporter for The Jerusalem Post, and many other publications. She is author of Big Up Yourself: It's About Time You Like Being You and The Mom Who Took off On Her Motorcycle, a memoir of her 10,000-mile motorcycle trip to Alaska and back to New York. She lives in a small beach village in Western Galilee, Israel, with her husband and family. She is a member of the local hevra kadisha, the burial circle, and a Muslim-Jewish-Christian-Druze women's group in the nearby town of Akko. And, she likes snowboarding and climbing trees.
Loved the title. We often don’t realize that others have gone through similar situations and if we share with the right people of course, a burden is lifted. When there are things I don’t or wouldn’t share, God is my go to guy. 🙂 Have a super week.
Thanks Tracy, I love your line that “God is my go to guy.” Wonderful!
Hee hee. Glad you liked it.
I’m so glad I found your blog! Great post.
Thank you, Julia! I’m enjoying your blog, too! For all those interested: http://juliarachelbarrett.net/2013/09/the-yellow-jacket-covalent
I just returned from a “girl cousins” reunion in Georgia, and this is a perfect post for me. I shared a room with a cousin I hadn’t seen in several years, and during the late night talks we were surprised (and comforted) to confide some of the some disappointments and problems. Just having another person relate opened the imagination to sharing solutions. You’re right; it was a big step in solving the problem.
Glad this was of help to you, Marylin! The reunion sounds like a lot of fun!