To navigate, one must have a planned course of action for their route. As much as we may try to plan or navigate our paths and future lives, it is inevitable that we will encounter a twist in the road, or even face a roadblock or two. When one encounters a hurdle that feels too ominous to cross, it is natural to feel like things are unfurling and you may feel like you have an overwhelming loss of control. The basic definition of unfurling means to unravel, unwind, or to spread out from a folded state. When things unfurl, many people have a tendency to let the negatives outweigh the positives, because “change” and the fear of the unknown can be very frightening. 

Change is something that is inevitable and often unpredictable. Some change in life is good, some is mediocre, and some may just feel plain dreadful. In life, every decision we make will determine an outcome and how we decide to react to those changes, affects those outcomes. As we travel the many roads of life, we will encounter many people, adventures, and situations.  As children, we are taught many lessons, and a lot of those lessons were passed down from our parents or guardians, from their parents, and so forth, to keep us on course. We may pick up their habits, and sometimes old habits die hard, but sometimes habits evolve. We will move on and age and start to pave our own paths by the decisions, opinions, habits, and relationships we make with people who may lead us down a different path or winding road. 

Relationships come in many forms, whether it be with our parents, family, a partner, friends, or our children. Many people may enter into a marriage wearing rose-colored glasses and are oblivious to the major life change they are embarking on. People who decide to marry typically join every aspect of their lives together emotionally, physically, mentally, financially, and socially.  As a couple progresses in their relationship, they may choose to create a family together, whether it be through natural or adopted children, and for some people…pets. Property may be purchased to supplement the lives you are creating together. Businesses may be a part of your future goals together. Financial plans, retirement plans, and accounts may be made to plan for your future. As part of your plan, you will likely want to make sure that your loved ones are cared for in the event you face a medical situation or to plan a legacy after your passing. 

But what happens when the path you thought you paved suddenly changes direction? As we all know, not every relationship is always eternal, besides taxes, aging, and death there may be snags in the road. Your marriage may deteriorate and you or your spouse may be contemplating divorce. Your aging parents or family members may need you to be an advocate for their health and finances. If you have a child with special needs, how can you help ensure that their well being is protected now and after you are gone? How can you protect yourself, your children, and everything you have worked so hard for all these years? 

When life tosses you a wrench you feel you cannot turn by yourself, know that you need not face it alone!  Friends or family may be there to support you or you may find solace in resources such as a financial planner, a mental health professional, or a support group. In the event that you are facing a legal situation, finding an advocate in the form of a legal professional, or an attorney can also be a stressful process in itself. Be sure to do your research to find a legal team you can trust to advocate for you and your family’s best interests. 

Written by Kelly L. Garver

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