If your life is anything like mine, one given is probably accurate: your key ring is overflowing with an over-abundance of keys. On my key ring, I have house keys, garage keys, car keys, locker keys and keys to things that have become so unused and ancient in my mind that I cannot recall why the keys are still dangling from the ring. Maybe they add a specific tone to the “jingle” I enjoy by twirling the set.
 

Still, each key on the ring, whether we remember its meaning or not, either held or continues to hold a purpose. Life can be seen in the same light as the keys on that ring, if we remember a few simple items.
 

Have you ever had a day when you were traveling down life’s highway, only to suddenly realize that there is a sudden ‘road closure’ that comes to a surprise? I have and I am sure that you have as well. You know the road closures well, I would reckon. The unexpected arrival of health crises, bills or even something as simple as unexpected company at home that may throw a snag into an otherwise perfect plan for a day or weekend outing. These things can be annoying, but if we step back, take a moment to breathe and to think, we can easily find the ‘keys’ we need to overcome the obstacle.
 

Key #1: Patience. “Patience is a virtue.” The phrase, while often deemed cliché, holds a lot of truth. Sometimes, the best thing that we can do when a sudden change occurs in our lives is to stop, without panicking, and have the patience to allow the task to run its course.
 

Key #2: Breathe. The simplest way to accomplish key #1 is to enable the second key at the same time. Deep breathing exercises have proven to be effective in relieving stress and henceforth, can serve to improve our mood.
 

Key #3: Think. Now, that breathing and patience have settled into your mind, take a moment or two and consider how best to approach the situation. You could easily find that the dilemma is now not as trying or disastrous as first believed.
 

Key #4: Trust. You have now identified the need for patience, taken strides to relax and considered how to handle the obstacle. Now, is the time to place your new plan into action and trust your instincts to guide you through.
 

Key #5: Faith. Faith, at this stage, is highly effective to finding purpose in the wake of chaos. Once you have a new goal or plan in place, having faith in your own decision-making ability and placing that faith into your plan, will assure that, despite the result, you will never lose control of yourself. You are strong and your personal faith and belief in yourself will serve as a guide as you move forward.
 

These five keys shall serve to guide you through any dilemma or unexpected obstacle you face. Then, once you have completed the five “keys,” run them again in reverse order as your personal gift to yourself.
 

Use faith and trust as your strength to see that you made the proper decision. Then, think back upon your decision-making and analyze the result. Were you totally happy? If not, how would you change the tone, should the unexpected event arise again? Stop for a moment and breathe, as a relaxation technique, as you recover from the trying day that you experienced and then, patiently kick back and do something nice for yourself. After all, you are your biggest fan and you deserve to be rewarded.
 

Embrace your obligations, even if they arise suddenly, but remain true to yourself, too. Life is a delicate balance; however, our individual “keys” to successfully overcoming challenges can always turn the power-shift back into our favor. These five keys cannot be found on any key chain, yet if you follow their principles, they have the combined power to open many doors for you. If you remember the five keys: patience, taking time to breathe, thought, trust, and faith, your life will be more purpose-driven and forward-focused than ever.
 

Never lose sight of your goals and your dreams, if you come across a bolted door. Use the power of positive thinking and allow your inner “keys” to success and happiness to unlock your entrance to a better, more-fulfilling life.
 

© 2006 – Jill Eisnaugle. All Rights Reserved.
 

Jill Eisnaugle is the author of two poetry books, “Under Amber Skies” and “Coastal Whispers”  She resides in Texas City, Texas with her family and pets.