This story is part of our July 2025 Young Professionals issue, photographed at Bradshaw Animal Shelter. To learn more about adopting at Bradshaw, click here.

That text message, that email — the one that landed on your screen like a rogue asteroid: “We need to talk.” Or maybe it was an unexpected bill that made your stomach drop faster than a rollercoaster. Or perhaps it was the realization, staring at your reflection, that the carefully laid plans for your life had suddenly veered off course in a direction you never saw coming.

The initial reaction? Pure, unadulterated “WTF?” One minute you’re navigating the usual hum of life — work deadlines, social plans, maybe even a budding romance — the next, everything feels, well, different. Unsettled. Like the ground has shifted beneath your feet. And if you’re being brutally honest, there’s the urge to retreat, disappear, to pretend this plot twist isn’t happening.

That feeling of being blindsided by life’s impromptu adventures can be disorienting, to say the least. It brings up all the questions: Why me? What now? How do I even begin to process this? And in these moments, the well-meaning advice to “look on the bright side!” can feel utterly dismissive. Because let’s be real, when you’re in the thick of a “WTF?” moment, finding the bright side can feel like searching for a lost sock in a hurricane.

But here’s the BS-free truth: Life has a flair for the dramatic and rarely sticks to the script we’ve so diligently written. It loves to throw us unexpected turns — a relationship hiccup that feels seismic, a health scare that rattles your foundation, a sudden financial shift that throws your budget into chaos. And while our initial reaction might be shock, confusion or even anger, the real strength emerges in how we navigate the aftermath. It’s not about slapping on a brave face or pretending it doesn’t sting; true resilience is about acknowledging the “WTF?”, allowing yourself to feel the impact and then actively choosing how to find your footing again.

So, how do you start building that “I got this” when life takes an unforeseen turn? How do you show up when all you want to do is hide? Here are a few things that helped me (and might help you too).

Acknowledge the disruption

That initial “WTF?” comes with a wave of emotions. Let them surface. Talk it out, journal your thoughts and allow yourself to be upset. Trying to “be strong” by ignoring the impact only prolongs the process. Don’t sweep it under the rug.

Don’t just take my word for it. Research has shown that suppressing our emotions can negatively impact our mental and physical health, and can even increase our risk of premature death in chronic cases. Noticing where the emotion sits in your body, acknowledging it and asking it what it’s trying to tell you is an exercise you can do right now to slow down and open up a healthy dialogue with yourself. A therapist can help walk you through this simple but lifechanging process of acceptance and self-love.

Connect with your core people

This is the time to lean on the people who know and support you, regardless of the specifics of the situation. Reach out to trusted friends, family and mentors. Their presence and understanding can be a vital anchor.

For me, when a sudden health issue threw my plans into disarray and brought on complete misery, the unwavering support of my family and friends was what kept me from unraveling.

Take small steps toward solid ground

When everything feels chaotic, focus on what you can control in the immediate present. Perhaps a simple routine that grounds you, like folding clothes, or a small act of self-care, like taking a walk, can be a single step towards addressing the situation.

These small actions can create a sense of stability amidst the uncertainty.

Reframe with realistic hope

This isn’t about forcing positivity, but about looking for potential lessons and growth opportunities once you’ve processed the initial shock. Unexpected changes can sometimes lead to positive new directions. It took time, but navigating a difficult relationship to its end ultimately taught me more about my own needs and boundaries in other relationships.

Life’s unscripted moments can feel overwhelming, and that initial “WTF?” can knock the wind out of you. But the journey from disorientation to a place of “I got this” is where your resilience truly takes shape. It’s about acknowledging the unexpected, allowing yourself to feel it and then actively choosing to navigate new terrain with honesty and strength. Ultimately, it’s giving yourself the grace to be human.

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