Just when you feel that you have everything under control, the unexpected happens.
Last week I placed an order for home-care supplies but my credit credit card was denied. How amazing to learn that someone was using the number in Germany! For that reason, here I am again awaiting shipment of a new credit card to be couriered to me while my other one is blacklisted by the credit credit card company!
There's this story of a man who is so proud of his car, just finished paying the deductible after another vehicle compelled him into a concrete divider in Calgary. This individual decided to put a camcorder on the dash of the car and was able to capture another car accident that occurred when a truck pulled out in front of him the previous week. To avoid the truck, he swerved and struck a tree! While holding out for the arrival of a tow vehicle, a police officer advised him that it would have been better to hit the truck than the tree so that the other driver would have taken responsibility.
Just when you think things are good, a bill arrives or sickness strikes. Perhaps the weather interferes with your planned trip. You or your partner might face a job loss due to factors totally outside of your control.
Precisely, what is important is not what the results are but how you deal with it. Being anxious and angry don't fix anything even though emotions can run high when you are in a horrible situation.
We all know the words to a Kenny Roger's classic. You gotta know when to hold 'em; know when to fold 'em; know when to walk away; know when to run!
Here are some techniques for dealing with the unexpected:
• Gather the facts. You can't make good decisions unless you know just what you are dealing with. Check the road report. Call the credit card company. Research the illness.
• Consider the options available. Can you pay the check in instalments? Is there a home solution that will work? Do you have the plate number of the other vehicle and will insurance pay the damages?
• Take action. The actual best you can using what you know. No point in becoming upset with the person who answers the phone. Writing notes before you dial will assist you to stay on track.
• Relax. Life happens to everyone. It's Not a perfect world. Try focussing on the blessings rather than the negatives.
I guess one of the wisest things that I can offer you is the fact that it is best to expect the unexpected! Otherwise you will always be amazed or disappointed.
Think problem-solving rather than problem-avoidance.