Can of Worms Spread

How many times in your day to day experience have you thought, “What can of worms did I open now?”  Or at least something like that.  For me opening a “Can-of-Worms” is the equivalent of asking the hard questions and expecting a truthful and objective answer.  The questions we would rather dance around and not ask, let alone actually answer.  These questions can cover as wide a range as you have imagination for.   Ask the hard questions of yourself.  An example might be;  “What do I need to change in my attitude to bring more happiness in my life?”  This would be an extremely hard question for a lot of us to answer objectively for ourselves and could open that proverbial can of worms showing yourself what you probably don’t wish to see.  Maybe it’s a situational type of question.  You’re dealing with a touchy issue at work and ask, “Should I open this can or worms?” or “What will happen if I open this can worms?”  Anyway, you get the idea.

Here are some sample ideas to use for this spread.  Customize it to best fit your needs and situation.

                                                                                (illustration by B.B. Bailey)

Steps to help open and examine what is in your “Can of Worms”

• Card one -- Using the can opener:    (insert question here) example.  “How do I change or shape my actions in order to achieve my goals?”
• Card two -- A Peek under the lid:     The outer influences that affect me in a negative manner.
• Card three -- Prying the lid:   Once the negative issue has been revealed, this is the best course of action for  remedy
• Card four -- Take a good look inside:  Looking at the problem straight in the eye (s) and realizing it’s quite fixable and not as bad as you first thought.  This card is for further help and advice with meeting the problem head on.  (puns intended)
• Card five – Containment.  The positive influences that I need to hold onto and utilize.  Things or people that can help me deal with the negative/slimy worms I find in my can.
• Card six -- Escape.  Once you have a clear idea of how to deal with your particular “worm” put him to work for you.  Use him to your advantage to lure what you want/need to you.  Or, if the situation calls for a complete release, he can be the one that got away.  In most cases though, the worm that tries to get away is the one that needs the most attention.

What New Can of Worms are you willing to open?