Young Roots
Problem-preparedness ABC
By Johanne Margarette R. Macob
WE really can never tell when a difficulty would enter our lives. Good thing we do take precautionary measures. Sigh. Yet still, sometimes, they’re not enough. Oops.
I remember the 1990 earthquake. Though I wasn’t in this world yet that time, I learned about the tragedy through all the write-ups. All the preparedness – whatever available that year- were useless, or at least that’s what it seemed. Properties and lives were lost in an instant.
Today, the province has been preparing for any and all situations in case another disaster — we strongly pray none that grave — hits. Yes, I think we are prepared knowing the province has allocated enough funds for proactive as well as reactive measures. We just have to do our part, to adopt the simple preventive measures. We may still not be totally prepared but at least, we are, somehow.
On the other hand, when it comes to personal problems such as the loss of a loved-one and career-related difficulties, there’s also a list of “preparedness” that can mitigate, even by a bit, the degree of the pain when it happens.
I was talking with a friend who’s thinking of ending her relationship with her boyfriend as the guy was asking for ‘space’. She asked me how to prepare herself in order to lessen the pain in case she finally decides to break up with her guy. I told her to have tissues and food, lol. But seriously, the first on the list, I reminded her, would always be ‘acceptance’. Acceptance that no matter what happens, it’s for the best. I know that attitude prepares one well for other personal problems I mentioned earlier.
Second on the list, ‘breathing’. One can take that literally and figuratively. Whatever the situation is, breathe once in a while. One need not be robust every time, one needs a break, one needs to breathe. This will enhance one’s problem-solving mode, swear. When one is having so much more than one can cope with, allow one’s self to breathe. Do things that you love to do, that’s one good way to be able to breath.
Third is ‘courage’. Have the courage to face whatever life offers and whatever consequences it gives. I remember this quote from my all-time favorite TV series, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the realization that there is something more important than fear.” Sometimes, we may not comprehend why we are given those problems but there’s no other way than forward, so we have to be courageous enough. Let us remind ourselves that change is the only thing constant so problems will soon be memories. Have the courage, as there is much more in life.
Those would be my ABC to get over and cope well with problems. They are useful in pre, during, and post problem modes. Accept, breathe, and have courage. It’s the best way to remind one’s self of the love one has for ‘it’ and for life.
We cannot control everything in life but we can prepare somehow, pretty much as the province does for natural calamities. Further, we can always choose how we respond to anything that life gives. ABC and a smile would bring us a long way.
P.S. By the way, there’s this art exhibit at the Liongoren Gallery in Tapuac District, Dagupan. Let us support our very own Pangasinan artists. You can take that as a fine breathing space. 😉
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