When Life Throws You a Curveball: 5 Ways to Stay Sane When Everything Feels Like It’s Falling Apart
- Marlene Le Roux
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
You ever have one of those years where life just keeps coming at you like a badly written sitcom? Well, 2025 has been that year for me.
I started fresh at the end of 2024, moving to a new place—only to have to move again. Now, I’m crashing with family while figuring things out. I had a group of 20-somethings school me on life (after they threw up in my car, mind you). Then, as if the universe thought I needed a little extra excitement, I got taken out by an e-bike rider at an intersection. If that wasn’t enough, a tyre gave up on me, and now my car is officially out of commission.
So, here I am, sitting in a café, sipping a coffee I probably didn’t need, staring into the void, and asking the universe, “Why? What did I do to deserve the VIP pass to the ‘Let’s Test Your Patience’ Olympics?”
Seriously. I’m done with the tests. I’m over the challenges. I’m ready for peace, ease, and maybe even a few things going my way. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever felt like life is actively plotting against you, you’re not alone. But here’s what I’ve learned—resilience isn’t something you just wake up with. You build it. You grow through the mess, the setbacks, the curveballs.
So, if you’re in the trenches with me, let’s talk about what to do when life feels like a relentless game of dodgeball, and you’re the only player without a ball.
1. Pause and Breathe (No, Really, Do It)
When everything is going wrong, our first instinct is to panic, vent, or dive into worst-case scenarios. But the best thing you can do? Stop. Take a breath. Even if it’s just for a minute.
That moment of stillness is powerful. It gives you clarity, slows your racing thoughts, and reminds you that you’re still standing—even if barely.
Try this: Close your eyes, take a deep inhale, hold for four seconds, and exhale slowly. Repeat three times. It won’t fix your problems, but it will help you face them with a little more sanity.
2. Find the Silver Lining (Even If It’s Tiny)
Look, I know how annoying it is when people say, “Everything happens for a reason.” But sometimes, the smallest silver lining can shift your perspective.
Example? My car broke down at the exact moment someone was pulling out of a parking space, so I had somewhere to wait. The tow truck driver was kind enough to drop me at the tram station. I still have no idea how I’m getting home, but hey, I’m getting there.
Finding even one good thing in the chaos reminds you that not everything is working against you. Maybe you got to reconnect with an old friend, maybe you dodged a worse situation, or maybe—just maybe—you’ll come out of this stronger than you thought possible.
3. Control What You Can, Let Go of the Rest
There are two types of problems in life: the ones you can control and the ones you can’t. The key is figuring out which is which.
Can I control that my car broke down? Nope.
Can I control how I respond to it? Yep.
When life feels like a mess, focus on the things you can do. Make a plan, ask for help, take one small step forward. As for the rest? Let it go. The more you stress over what’s out of your hands, the heavier life feels.
4. Laugh at the Madness (Because Crying Gets Exhausting)
Sometimes, the only way to keep going is to find the humor in the absolute ridiculousness of it all.
I mean, let’s break it down: I had a stranger vomit in my car and give me unsolicited life advice. I got taken out by an e-bike like I was in an action movie—minus the cool soundtrack. And my car? Yeah, it’s basically a very expensive lawn ornament now.
At some point, you have to laugh. Not because what’s happening is funny, but because laughter reminds you that you will get through this. It shifts your energy and gives you a moment of relief in the madness.
5. Remember: This Is Just a Chapter, Not the Whole Story
Right now, things are hard. But this is just a season—a messy, frustrating, what-the-heck-is-happening kind of season. It’s not your whole life.
I’ve had ups and downs. I’ve rebuilt before. I know what it’s like to feel stuck, to question why me?, to want to throw in the towel. But I also know that things can turn around in ways you never see coming.
So, if you’re going through it, keep going. The storm doesn’t last forever.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone in This
If life has been throwing you curveballs, know that you’re not alone. I’m right there with you, figuring things out as I go. And if you need support—whether it’s for your mindset, health, or just a little clarity on what’s next—I’m here to help.
Let’s chat. Book a call with me, follow along, and share this with someone who might need a little encouragement today.
We’re all in this together. And trust me, we’re going to make it through.
Comments