Dealing with the Unexpected
As a follow up to our last blog about routines, we also want to address the importance and unavoidability of surprise in life. It is impossible to control every element of your existence and this is what makes life interesting and exciting. Whilst we are all for routines, we also make it a priority to ‘schedule in’ times where you can do something different, fun, creative. And then there are the things that will throw you out completely: sickness, arrivals of friends and family at your doorstep, loss, winning a holiday – many things come and change things up without you expecting them.
Flexibility is of paramount importance in having a healthy relationship with your routine, your life and those around you – so long as you are not continually compromising your goals, identity and wellbeing. It is important to adequately prioritise the real importance of the unexpected things that come your way and allocate sufficient and appropriate time to them – both physically and mentally.
Your perspective when confronted with the unexpected is directly related to your ability to react in a healthy way. Frustration, anger and avoidance behaviour are natural reactions, yet they are not productive if held for longer than absolutely necessary. Accepting, welcoming and investigating ways to adapt to and manage change helps you to feel more in control, have higher levels of contentment and, most likely, react in a positive and productive manner.
Often, it is of great benefit to sit down and think or write about the change or unexpected event that has come across your way and brainstorm all of your options, including your emotional reactions and the potential outcomes of these. In this way, you can help yourself to process change emotionally, as well as have a logical and considered plan of action to deal with and manage the change in your life. If you are finding that you are struggling to cope with certain events in your life, please call Lifeline 13 11 14 (for Australia).
LLUMI Australia 