Confront challenges using the three B's Published March 16, 2011 By Lt. Col. Dave Sieve 571st Global Mobility Readiness Squadron commander TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- "Life happens!" This statement can just about sum it up, don't you think? Events unfold throughout life that impact how we chose to live. In turn it makes us who we are. Great things happen to us every day, so do challenges and disappointments. That's what life is all about ... taking the good with the bad, right? As they say, "When you're given lemons, turn them into lemonade." Well, we all know it's not always that easy to do. What I suggest is when those "not so good things happen", remember what I call the three-Bs. Be positive, be responsive and be balanced. Positive thinking can be incredibly helpful and should not be underestimated. When life happens, no matter how tough things seem to get, be positive. Yes, that's right; be positive no matter what curve ball life seems to throw your way. When I was 12 years old, my father passed away from lung cancer. About three to four weeks prior to his passing, he told me what was going to happen and that he wasn't going to be there to watch me grow up. As you can imagine, this was a pretty big pill to swallow at such an early age. Once I understood my dad's condition, and after a few hours of lamenting in the hospital room, I didn't dwell on the disappointment of losing my father anymore. I knew that I had to make a conscious decision to think about all the great times I'd experienced with my dad. Sure, I wish he could be with me today, but having the determination to maintain a positive attitude then has immeasurably shaped how I look at the challenges today. This is what the Comprehensive Airman Fitness pillar of resiliency is all about. Being resilient means you have the ability to successfully move past challenges while learning and growing from them. A second important tenant to remember when "life happens" is to be responsive. All too often when one of those lemons gets thrown our way, we to focus on "that's just the way it is." Instead, be responsive, be innovative and know that you are empowered to do something about any given situation. For example, when you feel you don't have enough time in the day to accomplish a given task like studying for an algebra test or getting in that daily workout, that's the opportune time to be responsive and alter your habits. The best way to be responsive and innovative maybe to study immediately after school or work, or go to the gym early in the morning. Remember, you're empowered to make changes anytime you want. You don't have to settle for the status quo and remember there's always someone out there to help you. A friend, a teacher, a co-worker, a mental health specialist or chaplain are all resources to assist you. One more thing to remember when life hits you square in the chest: Be balanced. Balance can be a crucial element to overcoming challenging situations because too much of anything can create discord in our lives. Spiritual, physical, emotional and professional balance can play a big part in overcoming life's adversities. How many of us have said a prayer, gone for a run, talked to friends or family or immersed ourselves in work when adversity knocked? I have, but the key to getting past challenges is to balance what you do. If a problem appears too great, step back and take a moment or two to evaluate the situation and seek support. We all know life is no bed of roses and at times, it seems so daunting. Remembering to be positive, be responsive and to be balanced are mechanisms that can help us cope with adversity. With the right approach to life, we can turn those lemons we receive into lemo