It’s been a while since I’ve written. The past few months have presented some exciting changes for me but also some challenges. 

The good news: I accepted a position with an awesome financial advisory firm. I’m grateful to join a culture-first, mission-driven firm that puts people before profits. 

I also got to enjoy the holidays with my family both locally and afar. Many memories were made and precious photographs taken. 

On the flip side, I also experienced some extra trying situations. My sister in law was in a terrible motorcycle accident in November, immobilizing her for months. Thankfully, she is now back on her feet doing what she loves: cutting hair and making clients beautiful.

Even more tragic was losing a dear young friend to cancer in January. She was vibrant and full of life, yet ultimately lost her battle with an indomitable disease.

And most recently, seemingly out of nowhere, there’s an ominous virus that has threatened the whole world–first physically and now increasingly psychologically.

Everywhere I turn, there is fear. Whether it be on a massive scale like the stock market tumbling or superfluous hoarding at my local grocery store, people are giving in to that queasy, unsettling fight or flight response.

Our collective palms are sweaty and our knees buckling under the sheer stress of impending mayhem. Apparently it doesn’t take much for a deeply interconnected, global civilization to lose its cool.

What should one do in the face of extreme uncertainty? How should we react when we’re scared, confused, even angry? When things are snowballing in the wrong direction?

The best any of us can do is to roll with the punches.

Really, that’s it? Just stand there and take it?

Yep. Sometimes all we can do is to try and stand our ground. But it does matter how you stand, how you anticipate the blow, and how you absorb the impact.

I kept hearing that phrase, ‘roll with the punches’. One day I asked my husband what it really means. He’s an MMA (mixed martial arts) fanatic so I thought he’d be able to shed some light on that phrase. Apparently it’s taken from boxing.

To roll with the punches is to react to an opponent’s blow in such a way that lessens the impact.

The Free Dictionary defines the phrase as a way to “cope with and withstand adversity, especially by being flexible”.

I’m no boxing guru but I could imagine how standing in a stiff, unyielding manner could intensify the impact of a blow. On the other hand, swiftness and agility can help a fighter outlast the opponent–even one who may be many times stronger.

How to stay financially prepared

On a practical level, here are some ways to stay financially prepared for unexpected life events:

• Emergency fund – Have extra savings set aside for a ‘rainy day’. Ideally keep enough cash to cover 3 to 6 months of your monthly living expenses in a savings account.
• Insurance – Health, life, disability, and property/casualty insurance protect against unexpected events that could otherwise ‘knock you out’ financially.
• Keep expenses low – It’s always prudent to live within your means so you can scale back your lifestyle when needed.
• Get rid of debt – Eliminate debt to reduce the risk of bankruptcy (the financial equivalent to being “K.O.’d”) in times of hardship.
• Invest wisely in things that maintain or appreciate in value over time (as opposed to consumer goods that depreciate or lose value as soon as they’re consumed).
• Minimize risk by diversifying – This is a well-known strategy in the investment world but it can also apply to other areas including career and income streams–perhaps even your news source!

As we contend with closures, shortages, and widespread panic, let’s take a moment to reevaluate our stance and personal response to adversity. Let’s practice mental agility and learn some lessons from this difficult time.

In the end, the important thing is not to win every round but to stay in the fight. To not give in to fear. To not get knocked out. To get back up and go in for yet another round.

Ephesians 6:10-18