Life has a frustrating way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them, or perhaps even worse, when you are least prepared for them. Whether it’s a divorce, a career upheaval, or some other life-altering event, the one constant about change is that it can knock you off your feet. I’ve been there more than once. I had a solid life plan—at least, I thought I did. Until the foundation crumbled, and I was left standing in the rubble, wondering what the hell had just happened.

It was during these times that I learned a crucial lesson: the universe doesn’t care about your plans. It’s going to do what it’s going to do, and your job is to figure out how to navigate the chaos. For me, that meant coming to terms with the fact that the life I had envisioned was no longer an option. I had to start from scratch, and it wasn’t pretty. But here’s the thing—sometimes, starting over is exactly what you need, even if it feels like the last thing you want.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

Let’s be real—major life changes aren’t just about logistics. They’re about the emotional turmoil that comes with having your world turned upside down. I’d love to tell you that I handled it all with grace, but that would be a lie. There were days when I felt like I was losing my mind, stuck in a loop of “what ifs” and “if onlys.” It was exhausting.

It took me awhile to realize that it’s okay (and normal!) to feel like crap when everything around you is falling apart. The trick is not to get stuck there. I realized quickly that I needed help—something I wasn’t exactly eager to admit at first. But here’s the truth: Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign that you’re ready to take control of your life again.

Why Professional Help Matters

I can’t overstate the value of professional support during tough times. Therapy, for me, was a game-changer. It wasn’t just about venting my frustrations (though there was plenty of that); it was about gaining the tools I needed to move forward. Being able to share my raw, vulnerable self with an impartial person. Learning how to hold myself accountable during the toughest days when even getting out of bed seemed insurmountable. My therapist didn’t have a magic wand to fix everything, but what they did have was the ability to help me see things from a new perspective.

In those sessions, I learned how to stop fixating on the things I couldn’t change and start focusing on what I could control. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. If you’re going through a challenging life transition, do yourself a favor—seek out someone who can guide you through the mess. It’s a lot easier to navigate when you’ve got someone in your corner.

Embracing the Unwanted

Change is inevitable. You can fight it all you want, but in the end, it’s going to happen whether you like it or not. The real challenge is figuring out how to embrace it, even when it’s the last thing you want to do.

When I found myself with my back to the wall, I had two choices: cling to the misery that had become uncomfortably familiar or figure out how to make the best of the present. Going from the former to the latter wasn’t easy. It took time—time to grieve the life I thought I’d have, time to get angry, and time to finally accept that the future was going to look different than I’d planned.

But once I got to that place of acceptance, something shifted. I started to see possibilities where before I’d only seen dead ends. It wasn’t about pretending everything was okay; it was about acknowledging that while things weren’t okay, they could be. But it was up to me to do the work needed to break out of my misery. I had to take steps forward, even though I had no idea where those steps would lead. I just knew that I couldn’t remain stagnant any longer. That’s when I started to rebuild, brick by brick, day by day, and slowly but surely, I began to see the outlines of a new life—one that was different, but still worth living. I became hyper focused on investing in myself.

Redefining Who You Are

One of the hardest parts about going through a major life change is the identity crisis that often comes with it. When you lose something central to your life—whether it’s a relationship, a job, or something else—it can leave you questioning who you are without it. But here’s what I learned: Losing a piece of your identity doesn’t mean you lose yourself. It just means you must rediscover the parts of you that maybe you’d forgotten about along the way.

I took the time to explore things I hadn’t had the chance to before. I got back into old hobbies, tried new things, and let myself be curious about life again. It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but slowly, I started to see that I was more than the labels I’d attached to myself. And that realization was freeing.

The Power of Community

One thing I’ve come to truly appreciate through all of this is the power of community. I know that whatever you’re going through right now can feel incredibly isolating, but the truth is, you’re not alone. There are people out there who have been where you are and come out the other side stronger for it.

For me, community meant finding people who understood what I was going through, whether that was friends, family, or even people I met through work. These connections were a lifeline, reminding me that it’s okay to lean on others when you need to. I started County Road Counseling to build that sense of community for others because I know firsthand how important it is. If you are ready to take back control of your mental health but aren’t sure where to turn, let us be a resource for you.

Moving Forward with Resilience

Resilience isn’t about never falling down—it’s having the grit to get back up every time you do. There will always be more challenges ahead, but with the right mindset, you can face them head-on and come out the other side stronger.

I’m not saying it’s easy, and I’m not saying it doesn’t suck. But I am saying it’s possible. And that’s what I want to help others see—that no matter how hard things get, there’s always a way forward. Change doesn’t have to define you. It can be a catalyst for growth, a chance to rediscover yourself, and an opportunity to build something new. You can’t control everything that happens to you, but you can control how you respond. And that’s where true resilience comes in.

Our mission is to walk with you on your journey, to help you navigate the twists and turns, and to remind you that you’re stronger than you think. If you’re going through a tough time, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out, find your community, and let’s navigate this journey together.