I blew it! Right on my birthday! How could I let this happen? If I could only go back and undo what I did. I know it’s natural to engage in this thought process when you’re in a bad situation. Such sentiments echoed repeatedly in my mind. I felt like I couldn’t stop them. Worse, I felt helpless and disempowered. I realized that I needed to understand my predicament and try to gain some measure of control over the circumstances. Controlling my emotions was essential. It was the first step in the journey ahead. I had to think clearly and make effective decisions. What has happened to bring me to this point has already transpired. There is no benefit to re-living it and judging myself. I’ll accept that it has happened. I now face a challenge that I must confront.