Accepting the things we can not change while facing the what if’s head on removes a major source of panic, fear and anxiety. The sweltering heat of summer, the harsh snows of winter, hurricanes, floods and drought are all part of nature. Similarly emotional storms are part of day-to-day life.

Some situations can not be changed or improved. That’s just the way it is. What can not be cured should be endured. Take the example of a man with chronic pain who has seen several specialists but they have not been able to find what is wrong. Instead of spending his days in misery lamenting his lot, this man is better advised to accept his pain, learn to cope with it, and get on with his life.

Learn to live with what is and what if. We can not avoid emotional storms any more than we can control the weather. Just as we acclimatize to the seasons, we must adjust to changing circumstances in family, work and life environments by being prepared and ready to face them.