The Next Right Thing

Panic. Stress. Mayhem. Confusion. Insecurity.

We've all been there. It's never our proudest moments in life, but they can turn into defining moments. I'm only 26 years old and I've already had my fair share of crisis'. There are many different kinds; a poor health diagnoses, a family emergency, getting pulled into sticky situations by your, "friends." The possibilities are endless.

The usual first reaction is shock, panic and a repeating question in your mind, "What am I going to do?!" Your mind scatters to a million different directions. When the happens to me, I always tend to try to jump from point A to point Z. Start to finish. Pronto. I want to get to the solution ASAP. Don't we all? The whole, 'let's just get it over with' mentality. This thought pattern leads to even more frustration because you can't just wiggle your nose and solve whatever is going on.

The way you react can show your character or lack thereof. Do you stay calm and collected, looking at all possible solutions before taking the next step? Or, do you get upset, allowing your mind and temper to take control? All of my life I've been the latter. I've never handled stressful situations well. My mother says I'm the queen of worrying and panic. But I've had a revelation lately. It's not about who can fix it first and get it over with the fastest...it's about how you respond.

Something I've learned to ask myself when these situations arise and my mind tries to race in 37 different directions is, "What is the right next thing to do?" You always have the choice to react a million different ways, but usually there is only one right way. I ask myself this question every step of the way. I pray about it each step. And it works!

I also try to keep in mind that at all times there is at least one person watching you. Noticing how you act and react. The language you use. It all affects your witness to them. And that's something I take very seriously, don't you?