The life-saving principle I learned about riding a motorcycle is that:

• While riding, we instinctively focus on the object we want to avoid.
• Our bike will follow our eyes.
• It’s important to be aware of the object we want to avoid.
• To prevent ourselves from crashing into it, we need to focus on where we want to go.

I tested this principle the first time I rode after I graduated from the class. It was good to be aware of the pothole so that I could avoid it. But when I focused on it, my bike rode right over it. I need to be aware of a truck when it veers into my lane, but focusing on it could kill me.

To remain safe on a motorcycle, I need to be aware of the objects I want to avoid and then focus on where I want to go.

This same principle applies to life as a whole. Our lives follow our eyes just like a bike does! It’s healthy to be aware of our problems; denial can be dangerous! It can be just as dangerous, though, to focus on our problems. You know what I’m talking about. We get anxious, depressed, irritated; we ruminate and self-hatred thrives when a problem dominates our lives.

Sometimes people keep crashing into their problems because they choose to believe that ignoring their problems will make them go away. Sometimes people keep crashing into their problems because fear of the unknown keeps them from making the changes it would take to resolve those problems. Most often, though, I’ve found that people continue to crash into their problems because they don’t know where else to go!