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cost a pretty penny. Admittedly, I will still call a mechanic if I need my air conditioner fixed in the middle of summer or a plumber if a pipe bursts, but if it’s not a time-sensitive emergency, I will endeavor to figure it out myself. While it’s frustrating when I want to use something that doesn’t work, it’s also immensely satisfying when — and if — I can get it working again. When you own a home, you seem to have an ever- expanding to-do list of issues ranging from mild to severe. Truthfully, I would not have it any other way. –Kevin Bennett
contraption to grapple with, which our family has lovingly nicknamed “the dryer from hell.” I know I have asked a lot of it, but even still its work ethic is lacking. I have taken this thing apart countless times, often to replace the heating element or dryer belt. No matter what I do, it always seems to break again when it’s most inconvenient. It’s a problem I cannot seem to fix, but I am committed to keep trying. The Journey Never Ends If I wasn’t interested in repairing things myself, those problems could
STRATEGIES FOR FACING THE UNKNOWN DEALING WITH UNCERTAINTY
Time flies, and things change quickly. The unpredictability of life can be daunting, and no one can predict the future. When we were kids, we feared the dark; now that we’re older, we fear uncertainty. They both stem from the fear of the unknown. With modern technology making the world smaller than ever and the pace of innovation outpacing its efficacy, the future can seem frightening. However, we need not perceive ambiguity and uncertainty as a threat. The future holds challenges, true, but it also is filled with wonder. Here are two strategies to help you overcome your fear of the unknown and approach what life has in store with renewed strength and confidence. Learn to Accept It We all crave information about what’s next. When we don’t understand what life has in store for us, our first instinct may be to hunker down and resist any change. A great example happened during the pandemic when the world shared a moment of common unease and uncertainty. However, the only option was to roll with the punches and accept that some change was inevitable.
Rather than focusing on creating certainty through simple answers to complex problems, like astrology apps, fundamentalist religions, or conspiracy theories, it is better to accept the current circumstances and understand that some things are, for the time being, very nuanced or potentially unknowable. Accepting that we aren’t in control of all facets of our lives helps us be content. Treat the Present as a Gift Keep things fresh by keeping yourself engaged. Instead of worrying about things you cannot control, better yourself so you are prepared for whatever life throws at you. That doesn’t mean you must learn martial arts and survival skills, but even picking up a new hobby can help occupy our minds and settle ourselves down. Remember the many experiences and challenges that led up to this present moment. We all worked hard to get here, and we should take the time to enjoy it. Reconnect with friends and family, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and don’t dwell on things you can’t change. Enjoy the present moment, and live for today!
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