There are times when it seems that our plans and dreams are never going to materialise as we would have hoped.

Our lives can become stuck occassionally and we appear to be in a holding pattern, like planes during a storm at an airport – circling continuously, knowing that we only have enough fuel for a while longer, but relying on other people to clear the blockages.

At times like this, it is easy to get into a state and start to panic, to make a grab for the controls or run around shouting that everything’s gone wrong and we’re all going to die…

But this is the time when it is even more important to remain calm and restrained.

The more stressful a situation, the more crucial it is to be relaxed and disciplined.

When our welfare is in the hands of others, we need to trust them and step back to allow them to do what they need to do.

If we are not in control of the situation, there is nothing that we can do to change the outcome positively.

However, by interfering or trying to take control of a situation that we cannot control, we will only make things worse.

Knowing when we can intervene and when we should just sit tight and let things unfold is the beginning of wisdom.

It takes discipline to refrain from jumping into every situation and making it worse by stressing and creating panic.

Having faith and trusting in those around you is essential for good team work – whether at work or in relationships.

Being patient and supportive in situations that we cannot control is just as important as taking decisive action in situations that we are in control of.