February: Rolling With Life’s Unexpected Turns

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. We map out our plans, set our goals, and work hard to create a future that aligns with our dreams. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don’t go as planned. A job opportunity falls through, a relationship ends, an unexpected challenge arises and suddenly, we find ourselves in uncharted waters.

I recently experienced this firsthand when I planned a month-long trip to Argentina, only to have to cut it short after less than two weeks. I had envisioned an incredible adventure filled with sightseeing, amazing food, and cultural experiences. But reality had other plans. Shortly after arriving, I got sick from contaminated food and ended up battling a bacterial infection. What was supposed to be an exciting getaway quickly turned into two weeks of vomiting, discomfort, and struggling to recover in a bug-infested Airbnb. It was frustrating and disappointing since I had so many things I wanted to see and do, and instead, I spent most of my time trying to keep anything down and dealing with exhaustion. But through it all, I had to remind myself that sometimes, things just don’t go our way. And that’s okay.

Beyond my trip, I’ve also been reflecting on how my life, at 30, looks nothing like I once expected. I thought by now I’d have my own house, a thriving financial situation, and have met my life partner. Instead, I find myself single as ever, not where I want to be career-wise, and questioning many of the dreams I once held. Recently, I got a call that my residency for Spain was approved and that I can pick up my visa. A year ago, this was my biggest dream, something I had worked so hard for. But now, I find myself hesitating. Over the last two years, I was certain I wanted to travel the world, yet now I’m realizing that solo travel doesn’t fulfill me the way it once did. My priorities have shifted, and I find myself longing for stability, connection, and the chance to build something meaningful with someone else. This year, my focus is on meeting my life partner and flourishing professionally, and I’ve come to accept that it’s okay for our values and aspirations to evolve over time.

The first step in navigating life’s unexpected turns is accepting that change is inevitable. It’s easy to get caught up in the frustration of things not working out, but fighting against reality only makes things harder. Instead, try shifting your mindset; what if this unexpected twist is actually leading you to something better? The sooner we embrace change, the sooner we can start adapting and moving forward. Rolling with the punches requires resilience, AKA, the ability to bend without breaking. When life knocks you down, take a deep breath and remind yourself that setbacks are temporary. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to become stronger. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, ask yourself: what can I learn from this? How can I use this experience to improve? The most successful people aren’t those who never face obstacles, but those who find a way to push through them.

Sometimes, life’s detours lead to destinations we never imagined. While my trip to Buenos Aires didn’t go the way I had hoped, it reminded me to appreciate the small things and take care of myself. Similarly, my shifting priorities have made me realize that it's okay to change course. A closed door may push you toward an even better opportunity. A failed relationship might make room for the right person to come into your life. An unexpected challenge could teach you valuable skills you never would have pursued otherwise. Keep an open mind and trust that even in uncertainty, good things can unfold in ways you never anticipated.

When things go wrong, it’s easy to focus on the negative. But shifting your perspective can make all the difference. Practicing gratitude for what’s still going well in your life can help reframe the situation. Even in tough times, there are always things to be thankful for... a supportive friend, a lesson learned, or simply the chance to start fresh. Gratitude helps keep us grounded and reminds us that life is full of ups and downs, but we have the power to shape our response.

At the end of the day, life’s unpredictability is what makes it interesting and meaningful. The ability to adapt, persevere, and keep an open mind will serve you well no matter what challenges come your way. I mean, I’ve learned firsthand how fluid life can be. At one point, I was completely closed off to dating an American man - I didn’t think they were as exotic, fun, or exciting as Europeans. But over time, I’ve realized that what matters most is how someone treats me, not where they’re from. Similarly, I used to be dead set against living in the United States. Nothing could convince me to stay in New York. But now, if the right person or job opportunity came along, I’d be happy to stay. The intrigue I once felt about living abroad has been replaced by an understanding of the loneliness that can come with being far from family and friends. I once thought the USA had nothing to offer me but now, I just see it as different. We are ever-evolving, and changing our views is a sign of growth. So the next time life doesn’t go as planned, take a deep breath, roll with the punches, and trust that the journey is still leading you somewhere worthwhile (even if it’s not the path you originally envisioned) ;)

XO,

Lorena