The Power of the Pivot: What Happens When Plan A Goes Up in Flames?

Have you ever felt the rug yanked out from under you, leaving you in free-fall with nothing to break your descent? Life, in its infinite wisdom, loves to throw us curveballs, and often, we  simply don't know how to react. 

Some of us keep falling, spiraling into the abyss, sometimes even taking others with us. But then  there are those who pivot. They find a way to turn lemons into lemonade, to rise from the ashes.  That latter path is hard. Easier said than done, right? How do they do it? What's their secret to  staying resilient? 

Lately, I've been doing some deep reflection on my own life and choices, wondering if I've  navigated every turn correctly. I'm typically one to look forward, rarely wallowing in regret. I  truly believe every action I've taken has led me to where I am now, and I like this place. Yet,  sometimes, my mind still wanders to the realm of 'what if?' 

For two decades, I've planned events. I'm a pro at extinguishing little fires and pivoting in work  situations; I don't even stress it anymore. But when it comes to life, to decisions that affect not  just me but my family, that transition is so much harder. I can be stubborn, wanting things to stay  exactly the same. But life rarely obliges. I'm learning I have to pivot gracefully, to accept the  changes coming my way. 

So, the burning question becomes: How do we pivot gracefully when our personal world  shifts? 

Honestly? I don't have all the answers. I'm spiritual and deeply believe that God and the Universe  will never give me more than I can handle. But truly accepting that truth in the moment? That's  tough. I'm also one of those people who believes everything happens for a reason, that certain  encounters are predetermined. But what if it's not? What if it's our choice to pivot and forge a  new path? 

We all go through seasons of self-reflection, and we witness our friend's enduring monumental  life changes: divorce, the death of a loved one, financial collapse. We support them, we observe  them. What gives me so much hope is watching them rise, dust themselves off, and bravely  create something new and beautiful from the wreckage. 

I, too, am an entrepreneur at heart. I've launched projects with so much hope, only to watch them  fizzle before the flame truly caught. It's frustrating, maddening even. But I had to pivot, tweak  my approach, and try again. I feel like I’ve been on this wheel for a long time, but I am resilient.  I keep trying. 

I've also come to another realization: I cannot do everything by myself. Yet, I have such a  difficult time truly relying on others, because the potential for let-down infuriates me. This is a  mindset I have to pivot. I have to cultivate faith that I can rely on others. So, why is it so hard for  me to let others in? I'm a strong woman, from a line of strong women... perhaps it's ingrained. I know I'm not alone; my network is full of women just like me, and we do, in fact, rely on one  another to navigate life’s obstacles. 

I look at some of my closest friends who've had to make major life changes, and I marvel at  them. Their worlds literally crumbling (and yes, I acknowledge, often 'first-world problems,' but  real pain nonetheless). Yet, they manage to pivot, to humble themselves, and move forward.  While I haven't been in their exact predicament, I can absolutely relate to the underlying  struggle. It's just another testament to how incredibly resilient our fellow goddesses can be. 

As women, I take immense pride in our ability to pivot. To make gold out of straw. To move  forward. We lift ourselves up, channel our internal warrior, and rise above the ashes. 

So, UnSettled Readers, here's my genuine question for you: 

What's your secret? How do you pivot when life throws you a curveball? I'm humbly  acknowledging I don't have all the answers, but I'm always seeking them. Share your strength,  teach us your tips. What's your secret to gracefully navigating the unexpected and creating  something new?