When things don’t go as planned

I’ve had a year where very little has gone according to plan.

I could say unfortunately—but I’m choosing to see it as fortunate.

Why?

Because it’s been an opportunity for me to be more me.

This week was a good example. I had plans—things I wanted to do, people I wanted to be with, and an email I wanted to create for you.

And then… the flu.

This is the second time in the last two months that I’ve been sick enough to see a doctor and be stuck in bed.

Thanks, chemo.

My immune system currently feels almost nonexistent, and I won’t pretend that isn’t frustrating.

It is.

And at the same time, I’m learning—slowly—to be gentle with myself.

If you remember, gentle is my word for the year.

Applying gentleness toward myself does not come naturally to me.

But I’m learning. I’m practicing.

So instead of pushing through, I’m resting.

Instead of powering on, I’m pausing.

I’m filtering my decisions and actions through the lens of gentle.

This is why having a word matters.

A word isn’t just an idea—it’s a guide.

It helps us live into the kind of life we actually want, especially when things don’t go as planned.

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If you haven’t chosen a word or phrase yet, let me gently encourage you to do so by sharing a few that my clients and readers have chosen this year.

And by the way, they are all brilliant.

Grace

This is the year I move through my life with kindness toward myself, releasing perfection and allowing things to unfold with more softness and trust.

Time

This is the year I stop racing the clock and begin living inside my time—present, intentional, and fully here for what matters most.

Receive

This is the year I open myself to support, ease, and goodness, allowing myself to accept what I no longer need to earn.

Protected

This is the year I honor my energy and boundaries, trusting that I am safe to choose what supports my well-being.

Calm

This is the year I return to steadiness again and again, choosing peace within myself even when life feels uncertain.

Peace Maker

This is the year I cultivate peace first within myself, knowing that calm presence is the most powerful way I influence the world around me.

Love

This is the year I attract love by being fully myself—open, present, and available for real connection.

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And if you’ve chosen a word and haven’t shared it with me yet, I would truly love to know what it is—and why. I will respond with some gentle coaching .

As for now, I’m continuing to choose gentleness. Hopefully next week I’ll feel up to sharing more. Until then, thank you for your understanding and grace.

Wishing you so much health and happiness,

Marcy