PSYCH: On Unplanned Life Pivots and What to Do Next
My brother's diagnosis. My book in airports. The midday park nap. None of it was in the plan. Here's what I did when fate laughed at me — and the three questions that helped me build something better.
Dear friend,
Have you ever had a solid, multi-point plan for achieving your dreams, only to have fate look you dead in the eyes and laugh?
Sometimes, it’s a horrible twist – like when my brother was diagnosed with cancer during my last month of law school, then my grandmother had a stroke at my law school graduation, both of which derailed my plans to take the bar and become a lawyer.
Other times, it’s a happy twist – like when my cousin texted me from the airport saying he saw my book there and suddenly I was flooded with pics of travelers picking up my book, something I never thought possible for a debut novel.
I’m a dreamer and a doer, but looking back at my life, the most important and profound moments were never planned.
They were times when Fate, God, Life, the Universe, whatever you want to call it said “PSYCH” and pushed me off course.
They were moments of deep personal introspection that were so lonely and painful I never would have done them without being pushed.
They were moments of massive leaps forward I could never have imagined for myself.
I’m never going to be the person to tell you platitudes like “you’re so brave” or “God only gives his toughest tasks to his strongest warriors,” because screw that emotional bypassing bullshit.
But I will tell you this:
People who have danced through the dark and come out the other side singing are magical humans.
There’s something witchy about a woman who has seen some shit and lived to tell the tale.
There’s something supernatural about someone who faces overwhelming oppression and chooses joy.
There is something phenomenal about building a strong foundation out of the ashes.
I know, because the life I live right now – one where I get to be a full-time creative who travels the world, is emotionally regulated, and has an amazingly supportive community in her life – was built from rock bottom, brick by brick.
If you are in an unplanned life pivot right now, here are three questions to ask yourself:
Who and what am I grateful for in my life?
Who and what do I love in my life?
Where and when can I add more joy, decadence and whimsy to my life?
Those three questions seem simple, but they’ll open up a world of truth within you. They’ll show you what’s missing and what you already have. They’ll help you decide what comes next and how you want it to feel.
Once you have the answers to those questions, you’ll be ready to start creating your own Creative Life Blueprint – the path you’ll take forward to build a life centered around that gratitude, love, and joy you just defined.
For that, you’ll need this post where I outline the whole process:
Or, if you want more handholding and group camaraderie, you can join me April 21 - June 3 for the Creative Life Blueprint group coaching program.
I’m offering it one time only to six people.
Reply if you want in.
Whatever path you choose, I hope you’re able to find the magic in the unplanned moments — the ones that punch you in the gut, the ones that surprise you with joy, and every one in between.
Because the world needs your story now more than ever.
With love and resilience,
Lauren
P.S. My Creative Life Blueprint coaching program starts April 21. I’m not offering this again and I only have one spot left, so reply now if you want it. I’d love to have you in.