I’m in the middle of a grinding conversation with publishing collaborators: “If we do A, then B happens, so what if we do X instead?” Brows are furrowed. We’re workin’ this problem like a piece of gum. Silent pauses. We’re thinking…thinking. Arguing our points. It’s tense and kind of wonderful.

“Hey, by the way everyone,” I raise my hand for pause, “I just want you to know, I LOVE this shit. This is my idea of fun.” And on we plod.

I can respect the challenges because I know they’re part of my calling. I’m on my path, there will be problems, and complaining about the inevitable is a ridiculous waste of energy. I know that, and I mean this in the most pragmatically joyous sense, life is just one damn thing after another.

If you’re intentional about your choices you may as well approach obstacles as opportunities to get more creative, innovative, stronger, and closer to what you want and the people you want to be with. (If you’re not intentional about your choices then…then that’s a “real” problem. Fix that first and then come back and read this. I’m cheering you on.)

Love your problems — really love them, and the solutions appear.

Do you love the kind of problems that you have in your relationship? Like, can you love the fact that your “work” as a couple is to deepen intimacy? That’s some hard work. But can you honour that that’s your work to do?

Can you love the problems inherent in your industry? The challenges that come with the goals you’ve set? The hoops you have to jump through to get what you want the most? If you can’t love the hassles, maybe you’re in the wrong place. Pick the battles that are for your cause, your higher good — it will bolster your strength instead of wearing you down.

If you can’t love the challenges that come with your territory, you should consider moving elsewhere. Move to where you find problems that are more loveable and satisfying — because there are plenty of them, and they need your willingness to be solved.