How best can I make of this situation?

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Viktor Frankl

Life is always full of surprises, which is a reality that can’t be changed. You are always in transit and time is the constant transporter that will get you somewhere whether you like it or not, the question is where? Our power lies in our decision of where we want this transporter to deliver us.

Neuroscience has shown that the human brain is hardwired for survival, not for thriving. This makes it prioritize safety over progress because evolutionarily speaking, there were more physical life-threatening situations that our pre-historic ancestors were exposed to and for their survival, their focus had to be on them hence you are reading this.

The human brain hasn’t changed much for thousands of years which explains why it still processes situations that way. Physical, emotional, and social threats are experienced and processed in a similar way by the brain. Fear of embarrassment is one of those emotions that stops us from getting ahead in life.

Here is something to always remember in times of change: ‘The same wall that keeps out disappointment keeps out happiness.’ When something unexpected happens to us, we panic because the brain likes the familiar to feel safe. We can train the brain to think differently when an unplanned or unpleasant situation happens to us.

Here are the five steps that can help us:

• Put it in perspective. Ask yourself what is the worst that could have happened.

• Reflect on past crises. Reflect on how you survived your past challenges.

• Accept the situation. What is the worst that can happen if you deny what has happened or reality?

• Focus on what you have. Think of those who love you.

• Embrace change.