When life throws us rotten lemons, it’s easy to feel defeated, to question why, and maybe even give in to despair. But what if, instead, we chose to pivot, adapt, and change? What if every challenge was a call not to break, but to rebuild ourselves in a new way?
I’m no stranger to life’s challenges. After surviving several major and minor strokes, each one left a mark. Strokes are life-altering; they can steal abilities, erase habits, and challenge our sense of self. Yet, I consider myself incredibly fortunate, as I know others who struggle daily with more severe aftereffects. For me, the loss that hurt the most was something crucial to my work: my speech. As a former contract negotiator, my job depended on my ability to communicate clearly, articulate ideas, and think quickly on my feet. But after my strokes, what used to flow effortlessly from my mind to my mouth now stumbled and stuttered, often veering far from what I intended.
This loss could have stopped me in my tracks. Instead, I chose to pivot, to adapt my approach rather than abandon my path. I realized that while I may no longer have the same voice, I still have my thoughts, my passion, and my desire to connect. So, I shifted my focus from speaking to writing. Where once my words were spoken, now they fill the pages of newsletters, blogs, and courses. I discovered that my message could still resonate, and the joy of sharing my experiences in writing became a new purpose. Plus, I found a wonderful work-around for teaching courses; instead of “speaking,” I prepare scripts that I can read, letting my words speak for themselves.
This shift was more than just a way to work around my new limitations. It became a profound reminder of resilience, of the power of a flexible mindset. Sometimes, the things we think we “must” have to thrive are not as essential as we believe. Adapting to a new method or process can bring a different, equally fulfilling path forward. By leaning into this change, I didn’t just reclaim my purpose—I found a new, empowering way to share my story.
So, here’s my message for you: when life backs you into a corner, look for a new way forward. Pivot, change, adapt. In each of us lies an incredible capacity to redefine ourselves, to create something meaningful from the very challenges that could have broken us. Embrace the mindset that every setback is a setup for a new approach.
No, it’s not easy. There may be frustrations, self-doubt, and times when nothing seems to work. But by staying open to change, you might just uncover strengths you never knew you had. Choose resilience over despair, and trust that with every pivot, you’re not just adapting—you’re growing, evolving, and stepping closer to the person you’re meant to become.
So, the next time you’re faced with those “rotten lemons,” remember: adapt, change, and keep moving forward. The journey might look different than you planned, but it’s still worth every step.
