All Psyched Up: Expect the unexpected and don’t let it get you down

By Medicine Hat News on March 2, 2018.

Just when you think that you have everything under control, the unexpected happens.

This week I placed an order for office supplies but my credit card was denied. How surprising to find out that someone was using the number in Germany and Italy! So, here I am again waiting for a new credit card to be couriered to me while my other one is blocked by the credit card company!

My grandson who is so proud of his car just finished paying the deductible after another vehicle forced him into a cement divider in Calgary. He decided to put a camcorder on the dash of the car and was able to capture another accident that occurred when a truck pulled out in front of him last week. In order to avoid the truck, he swerved and hit a tree! While waiting for the tow truck, a police officer told 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.

What is important is not what happens but how you deal with it. Worry and angry don’t fix anything even though emotions can run high when you are in a difficult situation.

We all know the words to a Kenny Rogers 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 tips for dealing with the unexpected:

1. Gather the facts. You can’t make good decisions unless you know exactly what you are dealing with. Check the road report. Call the credit card company. Research the illness.

2. Consider the options available. Can you pay the bill in installments? Is there a home remedy that will work? Do you have the plate number of the other vehicle and will insurance pay the damages?

3. Take action. Do the best you can with what you know. No point in becoming upset with the person who answers the phone. Writing notes before you dial will help to keep you on track.

4. Relax. Life happens to everyone. It is 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 that it is best to expect the unexpected! Otherwise you will always be shocked or disappointed.

Think problem-solving rather than problem-avoidance.

Dr. Linda Hancock (www.LindaHancock.com) is the author of “Life is an adventureÉevery step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice in Medicine Hat, Alberta Canada. She can be reached at 403-529-6877 or through email office@drlindahancock.com

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