Simple answers

Simple answers are seldom to be found to many situations in our lives, especially our relationships. The times in my life that I have clung to simple ideas/beliefs it was a way for me to try feel safe in the world of unknown. Rigid black and white thinking is often an attempt to protect ourselves in some way- emotionally, physically, our family, etc.

An example of my own rigid thinking is when I insisted my oldest child try out for sports. I had ideas in my head that childhood had to include organized competitive sports, but it really wants what was best for my artistic non competitive child. I played sports so I thought my children needed to play sports, even if they didn't enjoy it. Well he didn't last long with participating in sports, and I understand it much better now. It wasn't the right fit for him, and it's not for a lot of kids, and that's OK. I could have saved him and myself much grief by loosening up my thinking and recognizing differences and supporting those differences. In this case there was a simple answer- help him to be who he is not who I think he should be!

Anyone else have situations where they clung to rigid thinking and if the outcome was good or bad?