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What Can I Do Now?

Wednesday, 25 April 2012

Someone sent me a nice article from www.jewishworldreview.com By Rabbi Zelig Pliskin. The philosophy behind this idea can help us in our struggle with the Yetzer Hara.


Five Powerful Words: 'What Can I Do Now?'

Develop the habit of asking yourself, "What can I do now?"

This is an antidote to two problematic patterns: wasting a lot of time being upset about things that are over and done with, and worrying about something that might happen in the future. Even if it seems that an undesirable outcome is likely, worrying just prevents you from doing what you can to improve the situation.

If something is over and done with, it is over and done no matter how much time you waste being upset. But if you're going to be upset, at least be upset about it for only a short amount of time. Then ask yourself, "What can I do now?" If your first thought is that you can't do anything about the situation, then at least do something constructive about something else. But sometimes you might think of something creative that will turn the situation around.

Having the thought of, "What can I do now?" on your mind might lead to ideas that will at least partially solve the problem. When you can't think of anything on your own, ask some friends or a mentor for suggestions. Other people might think of something that you didn't.

People with a pattern of thinking worrisome thoughts should think of practical things that can be done. This will save them from much distress.

Just taking action makes you feel better. When you feel better, you will think more clearly. You're more likely to think of something to do now that you hadn't thought of when your mind was focused on worrying. So remember to keep asking yourself, "What can I do now?"

 

This state of mind can be hard sometimes, but it is vital to our ultimate success. Don't dwell on past failures - even if it was five minutes ago, and don't let yourself worry about future tests. Always live in the present moment and ask yourself: "what can I do NOW to make Hashem happy, and to move towards holiness, recovery and freedom?"