"I don't think it's a big problem," Willy told her. "It's a lot of little problems, and I think that's good, because little problems have little solutions."

February 24, 2002 10:19 AM

"I don't think it's a big problem," Willy told her. "It's a lot of little problems, and I think that's good, because little problems have little solutions." Leave it to a 6-year-old to describe my life far more eloquently than I ever could. I have an autistic son, and deal with the little things on a daily basis. I don't think I am all that unusual; what kind of little things are a part of your life that other people might consider a big problem?
posted by Lokheed (4 comments total)

That's a very admirable attitude to take, Lokheed and a practical and sane one as well. As far as problems go, I have none that would compare to the challenges you face, and your post helps put that into perspective. Thanks.
posted by jonmc at 5:18 PM on February 24, 2002

Well, a lot of the time I pretend like I have big problems. I guess the sense of drama makes us feel alive (?) -- not having studied psychology I don't know.

I have observed that challenging times brings people closer to the truth about life's actual priorities -- which in turn tells me irony is a basic life force. Gotta love that.

Most of the time I feel lucky. Today I feel lucky for having read this link and reading your comments. Thanks...
posted by victors at 8:14 PM on February 24, 2002

I'm not sure if the following quote from Hagakure, The Book of the Samurai offers a variation on six year-old Willy's profundity, or if it goes off in a different direction. It depends on how you see the whole big problem/little problem thing.

Among the maxims on Lord Naoshige's wall there was this one: "Matters of great concern should be treated lightly." Master Ittei commented, "Matters of small concern should be treated seriously."
posted by bingo at 9:27 PM on February 24, 2002

That is a great quote, bingo. As for my attitude, I guess part of it is that I don't have any other children to compare it to. Yeah, Ben has his issues and I am worried about his life down the road, but for today he his happy and affectionate, he is physically healthy, and he is making good progress in school. To me, that seems like what pretty much any parent is concerned about for their kid. Lots of little problems with little solutions.
posted by Lokheed at 12:09 AM on February 25, 2002