You have everything scheduled and in place. Every moment of your day is accounted for on a line of your to do list or calendar. You are calm knowing that you have it all under control.

Disaster strikes, the fates laugh and you can’t find the keys to your car. It is time to leave for work. Where are the keys. (In my case, my 4 year old put them in a boot in my closet but could not remember that. Yes I was late for work)

How about spilling your coffee down the front of your shirt - just as you are walking out the door for work or even worse - at work?

Who hasn’t had a child suddenly remember that he or she has to take cupcakes to school - today?

Balancing those small disasters are the large ones that happen to someone every day - major car accident, house burns down or a job is lost.

All the planning in the world does not really prepare you for disasters. You certainly should have a disaster kit for emergencies - medical supplies, water, food, an escape route and what you will do with any animals you have.

What about a spare set of car keys always kept in the same secure place. Maybe you should have an extra shirt at work. Day care and schools have a schedule printed showing what days are snack days.

The most important part of this whole disaster thing is how you handle the stress it will bring with it. Will you become angry - that is just disguised fear? Will you yell or swear? Will you attempt to make everyone around you just as miserable as you are?

The challenge of being in control is to first realize that the only thing you can ever control is yourself and your reactions.

It is over simplistic to tell you that you should try to see the bright side of every situation. Although it is true that 20 years from now you will laugh or at least see some benefit, dealing with the right now — right now with dignity and humor is indeed a challenge.

My car keys - yes today we all laugh. And I have a spare always kept in a safe place.

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