When life throws you a curveball

Today I saw a social media post that said “Everything happens for a reason, I just wish I knew what the reason was”.

Life throws us all a curveball from time to time.  It can be something simple, missing a train and being late for work – but if it snowballs to losing your job because you missed a big client presentation, that’s life changing.

For most of us it’s the lack of control of outside circumstances.  However, even when everything is out of your control, you can still choose how you respond.

Think about the big picture. Will this curveball matter in the long run? Probably not. It might slow you down a bit, but it’s probably not causing irreparable damage.

But sometimes a major failure or a loss feels like someone has died. And, in a way, someone has. The person you would have been—if you had gotten that promotion, if you hadn’t lost your job, if your business had succeeded—will no longer come into being.  Take the time to mourn for the loss of that person you will not become.

These times can be trying, but they can also be rewarding.  You might discover a talent you didn’t know you had or a business opportunity you take a second look at.  

But without an open mind you could miss the opportunity.

The stress, anxiety, financial hardship and perhaps some sleepless nights along the way are all temporary, in the same way that good times change so often, also applies to the bad times.  Acknowledge what’s happened and move on.  Can you fix the problem?  Is it a completely irreparable situation? What can you change about how you live that will lessen the impact?

Find a best solution and take a few deep breaths. Feel your blood pressure dropping and know that your dream wasn’t what you thought it was.  When a change is looked at as a fresh opportunity and a chance to learn something new, it’s no longer quite as scary.

I have gone through such a curveball and without going into it too deeply, it was my lack of attention to something that caused the curveball!  I was left in a situation that I saw no solution to.  But of course, there was a solution, but it takes time and effort. I found that I can stay cooler under pressure than ever thought possible. You might just impress yourself with how much you’re really able to handle when it’s thrown at you.

But I’m grateful that the detour took me to the dream I’m living now. It wasn’t planned but then aren’t they the best journeys? Impromptu, leading your to discover new people and places. These are all awesome self-discoveries waiting to happen!  My old life would not look like this new life and for that I’m so grateful and happy.  I found a business that suited my circumstances and allowed me to grow into a better person.  Surely that has to be a positive thing?

Eventually when it comes down to it, you just have to let it go.  That’s life.

The truth is you can’t see the future. Would your life have been perfect if you had gotten the promotion or if you had married who you thought was your one true love?

What looks like a hot mess at present could be a blessing in disguise. Breathe, meditate and take control again.  You’ll soon be back on track!