Not Expecting the Unexpected

“All the variety, all the charm, all the beauty of life are made up of light and share.”  In Leo Tolstoy’s 1878, classic novel, “Anna Karenina”, he reminds the reader that there are always ups and downs in life. 

For some of us, we have trouble accepting the nuances and complexities of our day to day living.  We enjoy the awe-inspiring surprises in life, but, have the unforeseen happen in our lives, and it’s just a downright bombshell.  So what can we do for ourselves, when faced with the unexpected?

Here are some suggestions:

• Breathe:  Focus your attention on slowing down your breathing (inhale through the nose to a count of four, hold the breath for a count of seven, exhale through your mouth to a count of eight). 
• Take yourself outdoors for a walk; weather not permitting, put on some music and dust of those dancing shoes. 
• Laugh Regularly:  It has been reported that even listening to the sound of laughter, can ease stress.  Check out this baby’s laughter   https://youtu.be/RP4abiHdQpc
• Become a Glass Half-Full Person:  Substitute positive thoughts for negative ones.  (Remember, we are what we think we are.)  Try this one on……..I can’t stand anymore snow (Negative) or Snow is just so beautiful to watch falling (Positive)
• Eat Well:  (Remember you are what you eat.)
• Sleep:  Adults 18-60 should have seven or more hours of sleep per night, while 61 years and up should have seven to nine hours of sleep.
• Keep in Mind:  Nothing in this life is forever. 

If you are reading this, and you find yourself in a difficult season, it may difficult to remember who God is and how He provided for you in the past.   Let me remind you of David’s words from Psalm 143:4-5:  “I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear.  I remember the days of old.  I ponder all your great works and thank about what you have done.”