Actual Lifeswerving: How to Handle Life’s Unexpected "Swerveballs”

Ever had one of those days or weeks where life decides to throw a wrench in your perfectly planned schedule? Maybe your car won’t start, your dog eats your lunch (wrapper and all), or your boss/client drops a last-minute “urgent” project on your desk at 4:55 p.m. Life loves to keep us on our toes, and sometimes, it feels like it's just messing with us for fun. But here’s the thing—unexpected challenges aren’t just obstacles; they’re invitations to grow, adapt, and sometimes, laugh at the ridiculousness of it all.

This has been my last 4 weeks – medical challenges and mental gymnastics has batted my family around like a ping pong ball in a hurricane. However, we owe it to our mental and physical well-being to centre ourselves and support those around us.  When we are calm, the swirling can go on “outside” us and we remain in control of ourselves.

So, how do we navigate these plot twists without completely losing our minds? First, pause and breathe (seriously, inhale… exhale… there, now you’re 1% calmer). When things go sideways, our brains go into panic mode, but taking a few deep breaths helps shift us from freak-out mode to problem-solving mode. Second, ask yourself: “What’s the opportunity here?” Maybe that freak accident opens space for something better. Maybe missing your flight forces you to slow down and take an unexpected adventure. Reframing setbacks as setups for something greater makes all the difference.

Next, lean into humor and flexibility. Ever notice how the most resilient people are also the ones who laugh the most? Life is absurd—embrace it! Stuck in traffic? Blast your favorite music and turn your car into a one-person concert. Spilled coffee on your white shirt? Now you have a reason to buy a new one. When we roll with life instead of resisting it, the chaos becomes a little more manageable (and a lot more entertaining).

Finally, take small action steps forward. Even if the challenge feels overwhelming, just do the next right thing—send the email, make the call, take the walk, write the list – and cross things off that list! Movement creates momentum, and before you know it, you’re on the other side of whatever disaster just hit. And don’t forget to lean on your people. Call your best friend, vent, laugh, and get reminded that you’re not in this alone.

For more inspiration, check out this podcast on feeling better and breathwork —it’s a game-changer for pushing through life’s surprises with confidence. Because life will always be unpredictable, but with the right mindset, you’ll always be ready for the next curveball.