Earthquakes, tsunamis and literal fall-out – while we sometimes use these words metaphorically, we are now faced with their literal ramifications. We can’t escape the absolute uncertainty the world, and the tragedy-laden Japanese people, must deal with.

The first thing to do – if you want to make the best decisions related to however you are being impacted – is to embrace the uncertainty. Physically allow yourself to experience the anxiety it provokes. This will satisfy your brain that your conscious mind has heard the warning signal and it will lower the “static” so that you can think.

When faced with the unknown, the brain searches it databases of context to find a match. It tries to fill in the blanks with related information. Frankly, none of us have any true experience with this lack of contextual knowledge. Simply accepting that – consciously – will allow all of us to make the best decisions we can under the circumstances.

Our hearts go out to those already impacted and to those closest to the danger. Know that everyone around the world is pulling for you.