Time to think…about surprises

“Fortune falls heavily on those for whom she’s unexpected. The one always on the lookout easily endures.” Seneca, On Consolation to Helvia.

I’m an unashamed attentive optimist: I gain energy from thinking about the positive outcome I want to achieve, and I believe I have a fair chance of achieving it, but at the same time I am perfectly aware of the risks, hazards and threats in my way.

With all the bad news surrounding us in the world these days, it would be easy to become scared and fearful of what the future might hold. Rather than dismiss negative scenarios, answer the ‘what if it did happen’ questions and create some plans. Then get back to a realistic evaluation of the likelihood of it happening. Forewarned is forearmed – but we needn’t let pessimism drag us down and unchecked optimism create delusion.