"You will find peace not by trying to escape your problems, but by confronting them courageously." - J. Donald Walters

Someone said that the best way to escape from a problem is to solve it. What if the only way you can see for the moment is to flee from the situation? Is that considered a solution?

Before you decide to take flight, ask yourself some questions. What are you trying to avoid? Where do you plan to go? Who are you running to or whom are you trying to shun from?

What if your running away doesn't solve your problem but instead lead to more destruction? Of course it's still better than taking drugs and consuming too much alcohol, which happen to be the two most popular evasions?

You may prefer to travel. It provides some inspiration and a great way to divert your attention. You may want to engage in physical or creative activities to distract your focus.

But these activities are some other methods of avoidance. Any kind of evasion from reality is a temporary solution. When you get back to your real existence, you find that your problems are still where you left them, unsolved.

Is there a better way?

Yes, but it takes more effort. It involves thinking. Many people don't like to think because it is hard work. They have to start asking questions and be honest with themselves.

It includes self-assessment. You have to peel each layer to see the real issue. People don't want to evaluate themselves. They are scared to find the truth. They'd rather live in denial and put the blame on other people and circumstances than admit that they are the cause of their miseries.

Thinking and self-evaluation combined are effective methods to find ideas and obtain solutions to your dilemma. This method also allows you to recognize your anxieties and fears. It's easier to confront the things that you are afraid of when you know what they are.

From now on, every time you find yourself in a rut, don't try to avoid personal responsibility. Face your mistakes and challenges. Use your brain and the power of your mind to solve them.

When you have resolved them, reward yourself and go for a retreat. You have acted courageously and you deserve it.

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