When Life Laughs at Your Plans (Laugh Back)

Plans

We all had a vision, didn’t we? The dream career, the epic love story, the spontaneous adventures—by now, it was all supposed to be in place. But then life chuckled and said, “Yeah, no.” So here we are, staring at a reality that looks nothing like the one we ordered.

Trust me, I’ve been there. The last few years have flipped my world upside down, sideways, and inside out. And while I wouldn’t say I have it all figured out (spoiler: no one does), I’ve learned a few things along the way.

Reflect

First, take a deep breath. You’re not alone. Life has a way of rewriting our script without consulting us first. But that doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it just means you’re human. Instead of fixating on what hasn’t happened, try shifting your focus. What have you gained? What unexpected strengths or wisdom have come from the chaos? Because even the detours have something to teach us.

This is where mindset coaching can be a game-changer. When you’re stuck in frustration or self-doubt, a coach can help you hit the mental reset button, reframe your thoughts, and remind you that your worth isn’t tied to a checklist of life milestones. And if you’re really feeling lost? Try helping someone else. Seriously—getting into service can snap you out of your funk faster than binge-watching reality TV (though that has its place too).

Right Here, Right Now

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. You are not behind. You are not broken. You are exactly where you need to be. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, celebrate even the tiniest wins, and trust that the best chapters of your story might be the ones you never saw coming.