We’ve all been there: you have a plan, you’re looking forward to it, and then… it doesn’t happen. That was me recently, and honestly, it was frustrating. When things don’t go as planned, it’s normal to feel disappointed, annoyed, or thrown off. I always remind myself that the first step is simply noticing and naming what I’m feeling. Nothing needs to be fixed right away. Just acknowledging what’s coming up can already help take the edge off.
Finding the Gift in the Unplanned
When plans fall through, I use a simple practice I call my ABCs: acknowledge the feeling, breathe to help my body settle, and then choose a coping thought that feels true. While plans give us structure and a sense of control, especially in families, there’s also something powerful about flexibility. Unplanned moments can create space for rest, creativity, or unexpected insight. Sometimes, when we let go of how we thought things should go, we discover exactly what we needed instead.
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Connect with Debra Wallace, MS, LMFT for a personalized consultation through the Positive Reframe Therapy Portal.
Call (312) 463-9163 or reach out Online to begin creating space for growth and peace.