Huh

“Huh”

That’s how I punctuate every problem that crops up in front of me during my daily life. Be it at work or at home.

And I’ll dot it with an element of surprise.

“Huh?”

Surprised that life has decided to throw another round my way, after I’ve dealt with them countless times before. Surprised that I did not manage to foresee the problem this time round, or that I’d mistimed the occurrence. Surprised that I was surprised that problem’s shown its face.

Then I’ll taint it with a slice of contempt.

“Huh?;”

Contempt that life has decided to throw another round my way, yet again. Contempt at the number of times life has tested my patience and wisdom. Contempt that life still thinks I have not proven myself. Contempt that life would think I don’t have a shoulder big enough to bear the responsibility and consequence when they are due. Contempt that life would think that I’m not strong enough to deal with the emotion of sadness, disappointment, loss, etc. Contempt that life would assume I would put unnecessary weigh on materialism or other people’s opinion, approval or recognition of me. And therefore contempt at the lightness of the problem emerged.

On top of that, I’d add a dose of excitement in it.

“Huh?;!”

Excited at the chance to work my brain to solve another riddle. Excited at the chance to claim another victory over life. I’m one who always believes problem can be solved with our resources on hand plus a little creativity. So, there’s a chance to be creative and squeeze every possible ounce of usefulness from what we have in hand. With a little creativity, 1+1 does not always equal 2.

I’d also mix in a drop of indifference.

“Huh?;!*”

According to Oxford Dictionary, problem means difficult matter requiring a solution. That’s just what it is - a difficult matter. Nothing earth shattering. The sky won’t fall, the sun won’t explode, and the sea won’t rise. It is just a difficult matter.

I rarely, and refuse to, freak out in the face of problem. I’ll probably curse, but I seldom get angry at the untimely occurrence. It’s a waste of time and effort to cry over spilt milk. We don’t have a time machine and there’s no way we can undo the happening. So “Why me?” or “Why now?” is probably the last question to be asked at the immediate moment. I would be quick to look for a solution, and get the job on hand done. Improvement or prevention on the problem could be dealt with later.

“Huh?;!*”

That’s how I’ve been practicing my “Huh” in front of my daily problems. It’s not perfect, yet, but I’m trying very hard.

Oh, one more thing. When you “Huh?;!*”, remember to lift your eyebrow slightly, as slightly as you twist the corner of your mouth, and smile - as if you’re looking at an opponent that’s not even worthy of you lifting your finger. And then deal with the problem.

“Huh?;!*”