Unexpected…A Word for Your Day

By Jane Bishop

Life has a way of surprising us with the unexpected. Some of these surprises are pleasant, like an early visit from a service provider, the sudden chiming of a clock in the background, or coming upon a glider port on a leisurely ride. These moments make us smile and remind us that life is full of delightful, unexpected surprises.

There are also those surprises that challenge and test our resilience. Unforeseen bills, unexpected losses, or even unwanted surprises can throw us off balance. When we experience the “unforeseen” it’s essential to remember that no matter how well we plan, life will have a few curveballs to throw our way. How can we consistently handle the unexpected with grace, resilience, and positivity while managing any emotions that “come along for the ride”?

I believe we all have many of the answers within our skill sets. Take a quick self-assessment by intentionally noting your self-leadership skills. Consider how you have previously handled the “unexpected” and then identify what worked and didn’t. As you become aware, identify what would be helpful to adjust and/or eliminate. As this information becomes clear, then choose to take action.

A valuable lesson I have learned to practice is: “Prior planning prevents poor performance.” This phrase encapsulates the power of preparation, placing us in the best possible position to tackle whatever life throws our way. I have also learned the importance of honing flexibility and adaptability skills. These two skills alone have helped me navigate the unexpected (both positive and not-so-positive)! This is part of self-leadership. When we hone our self-leadership skills, we can respond consistently to life’s surprises in a healthier, more manageable way.

Being healthy in our responses doesn’t mean we won’t feel tears, angst, or stress when facing negative surprises. It indicates that we can cope, manage, and find a way forward, even when life takes us down unexpected, challenging paths. Creating a positive interruption helps us stop, pause, and think as we give our brain a rest for a “moment.” In that moment, we can breathe and have space to refuel and be refreshed to embrace the unexpected and shift our mindset, and move forward.

I invite you to create a positive interruption for someone. Surprise a friend or a family member with an unexpected phone call, a handwritten note, a visit, or their favorite treat. Be the deliverer of positivity in someone else’s life. Who knows how it will empower them to embrace the “unexpected” of their life in that moment.

More information at www.janebishoplive.com.

Learning About Space

Continued from page 10 miles through space. The sample return capsule touched down in the Utah desert on September 24, 2023.

The OSIRIS-REx mission will advance our understanding of Earth and pave the way for the exploration of other asteroids. As humanity reaches further into the cosmos, these missions will need thousands of workers from various backgrounds and STEM fields.

The asteroid samples brought back to Earth by this mission have the potential to rewrite textbooks, igniting our curiosity about the universe and inspiring future generations.

I encourage you to learn more about the OSIRIS-Rex mission at https:// www.asteroidmission.org/.

Solar System Ambassadors are educators, space scientists, librarians, and space enthusiasts selected by NASA to host events in their communities.

More information at visit https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/solar-system-ambassadors.