Years ago, a small piece of plastic broke off the bottom of my recliner. Soon thereafter I noticed that the chair didn’t return to its original position after it had been in full recline mode. My hack was to slide out of the chair and reposition it while standing. I weighed the pros and cons of having it fixed and concluded, “Good enough.” Every now and then, while in full recline, the chair would tip and almost fall backward. Not good. Other times, while trying to get out via the slide method, it would tip forward; I’d almost roll forward onto the floor. Not good. This went on for a few years.
Fast forward: I need this chair at night when sleeping prone is not optimal. I leave the bed, taking some blankets with, find the trusted chair, and go full recline. Oops! Almost fell backward into the wall…in the dark…in the middle of the night! Not good. Getting out in the middle of the night required the full roll with a tip forward. Heave-ho! (Circus without having to buy a ticket.)
A phone call to the manufacturer led to my setting a repair date. Soon, this recliner will be in full operation.
Why this piece about a chair that was broken, soon to be fixed? I believe many have found themselves in situations where something no longer works and a decision needs to be made whether to fix the problem. The cost-benefit analysis is sometimes done. “Do I let it be?” “Can it be used in this compromised condition?” “Shall I investigate whether it can be repaired?” “Is there money for this fix?” “Do I want to replace it with a new one?” There are no wrongs or rights as all have free will; decisions are made and life continues. There is an adage “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” That pertains to something working well; tampering is not recommended. In the situation where I found myself, something was broken and I didn’t fix it. This concept led me down an existential rabbit hole about things that are broken in folks’ lives, whether they see it as such, feel the discomfort, avoid addressing the situation, enter into a cost-benefit analysis process, or proactively either have something repaired or replaced.
Facing what is broken is a soul-growth opportunity. Many avoid the fact that something no longer serves them. Others continually use minimization, denial, rationalization, or wishful thinking to cope with a sour turn of events. Whatever the case, facing life on life’s terms is the goal. It is key to release all fear that would prevent one from seeing what is right before them. This is work, yet it does not have to be a four-letter word…
I saw the chair was broken. The chair served until it became more of a hazard given the new situation that arose. This necessitated a refreshed set of eyes to peer again at an extant problem. Mind and heart worked in concert and a conclusion was drawn.
If it’s broken, what do you do? It’s a sign that something needs to be addressed. It might not serve you anymore. Maybe it can chug-chug along more. Whatever the case, being present-centered and pragmatic goes a long way. Praise yourself for all you do to be in the Now and face discomfort as it surfaces. You are strong and brave and can make any decision needed for your highest good. Sometimes, another set of eyes and ears can assist with making decisions about problems that arise. There is nothing wrong with reaching out for opinions when determining whether change is necessary for optimal living.
The chair will be fixed. It has served me for many years. I am grateful it was given to me. It wants attention and I am giving it what it requires to keep on keepin’ on.
May you face what is broken with integrity, fortitude, discernment, optimism, and levity.
With Love,
~Joanie
