Here's a fact about tornadoes: they develop so rapidly, with little or no warning, and they can strike from anywhere, always causing damage. It's impossible to see them coming, and they are unpredictable - much like unexpected events in our lives.

Just like a tornado, some circumstances in our lives can come out of nowhere, without any warning, and we may not have any control over them. Some of these may include illness, injury, accidents, sudden loss of a loved one, losing a job or being laid off, financial difficulties, and so on. But no matter the situation, such events often tend to disrupt the normal course of life and our routines, leaving us feeling disoriented and unsure.

However, just as we can prepare for a storm, we can also prepare ourselves to face and deal with the aftermath of the tornadoes that come our way with resilience and determination. Easier said than done? Well, absolutely, but it's not impossible.

My life took a dramatic turn when I was involved in not just one, but two car accidents. It was undoubtedly one of the most challenging times in my life. Plans that I had carefully laid out had to be put on hold, and I felt like I couldn't perform at my best. At times, I found myself overwhelmed with self-doubt and frustration. However, I found solace in the wise words of Maya Angelou, who reminded me that while we cannot control every event that happens to us, we can choose not to let them define us. I realized that it's not about avoiding difficult situations, but how we choose to rise up and face them that truly matters.

While a tornado can cause immense damage, communities often come together to rebuild their cities and support each other. We can rebuild ourselves after life’s Tornadoes and here are some tips on how to do so.

1. Stay calm and focus on what you can control: When faced with an unexpected event, it's essential to remain calm and avoid panicking. Take a step back and assess the situation to determine what you can control and what you cannot. Focus on the things you can control, such as your attitude and response to the situation.

2. Seek support: Reach out to family, friends, or colleagues for emotional support or practical help. Share your feelings with someone you trust, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Sometimes talking to someone who has been through a similar experience can be comforting and helpful. You are never alone unless you choose to be.

3. Accept the situation: Accepting the reality of the situation can help you move forward and take necessary actions. Avoid dwelling on what could have been done differently or who is to blame for the situation. Instead, focus on what you can do now to make things better.

4. Create a plan: Wayne Dyer once said, "Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change." Once we have assessed the situation and accepted it, we need to create a plan of action. Identify the steps you need to take to address the situation and prioritize them based on their importance. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

5. Take care of yourself: Self-care is essential during difficult times. As Carol Dweck writes in her book, "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success," "Taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it's a necessity." Make time for self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies that bring you joy. Eat healthy foods, get enough rest, and avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol or drugs. This is a department that many of us overlook, including myself, until my body shut down, and I realized that I had to prioritize self-care as well.

6. Learn from the experience: Finally, use the experience to learn and grow. Reflect on what you've learned from the situation and how you can apply that knowledge to future challenges. Consider seeking professional help if necessary to gain a deeper understanding of how you can cope with unexpected events better in the future.

In conclusion, unexpected events can be like a tornado, but we can prepare ourselves to face them with resilience and determination. We can rise up and overcome even the most unexpected and devastating events with grace and strength.