When you're in the middle of an emergency, you're in the midst of opportunity, Dr. Robin says. "It's a big chance at re-evaluating your life, about what is working and what isn't working," she says. Maybe the emergency is a health scare or being laid off from a job or having to foreclose on a mortgage. Whatever the emergency is, Dr. Robin says you should analyze it closely. "They are in your life to get your attention," she says. "Sometimes we invite emergencies because we haven't been willing to pay attention to the still, small voice that tried to come very gently to your life."

While no one likes to deal with an emergency, in the end, Dr. Robin says it may be the opportunity you desperately need. "Pay attention, realign what isn't going right and put yourself on the right path so that emergency can transform you and you can live your best life and live it now," she says.