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14 October 2026
When something goes wrong, our first reaction is often to ask, “Why does this always happen to me?”
It is an understandable question, especially when several disappointments arrive close together. But it rarely helps us decide what to do next. Instead, it can make one difficult incident feel like proof that everything is going wrong.
There is another question worth trying.
“What can I do about this now?”
It does not deny the problem. It does not pretend that unfairness, disappointment or bad luck can be wished away. It simply brings our attention back to the part of the situation we may still be able to influence.
Perhaps a letter has gone unanswered. We can decide when to follow up.
Perhaps a plan has failed. We can examine what went wrong before deciding whether to try again.
Perhaps somebody has misunderstood us. We can make one more honest attempt to explain, without assuming that we can control the other person’s response.
Not every problem has a neat solution. Some require patience, and others require us to accept what cannot be changed.
But there is a difference between accepting a difficult situation and surrendering our entire day to it.
The next time something upsets you, give yourself a little time to feel disappointed. Then ask what remains within your hands.
You may not be able to change what happened.
You may still be able to decide what happens next.
Rajat Chandra Sarmah, Guwahati, Assam, India, Instagram @rajatchandrasarmah, YouTube: conversewithasmile, email rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com
