There comes a time when everything seems to be going smoothly, the roads are clear, and the journey feels calm. Then, all of a sudden, you hit a stop. Your usual, easy route is no longer an option, and you’re forced to take the long way around.

That’s life in a nutshell.

Recently, I experienced a major shift. Everything felt like it was caving in. Every time I thought of a new route, there was always a block. Can you relate? I’d wake up with anxiety and worry. I couldn’t see a solution.

When you go through something difficult, you wish the world would stop and help pull you out, but it doesn’t. You still need to show up, put that mask on, and pretend everything is okay… when it’s not. I had to put on my mask for my family. They were aware of the struggle and tried to help, but they couldn’t really fix it. I was also afraid of hearing (in the most polite way), “I told you so.” So I’d just say, “I’ll be okay.” There’s always light at the end of the tunnel, but before that light, it’s hard.

I’ve come through my ordeal, and looking back on the past few months, I’m thankful I can sit here and type this. In the process, I feel like I found myself and what I’m really about. It felt like self-therapy. I disconnected from the world and focused on what was important. I removed the noise.

Once in a while, we all need to cancel out the noise and reconnect. The world won’t stop for you. You still need to go to work, provide, and in some cases, care for a family. But in between, you find moments for yourself.

You need to understand that big problems don’t resolve overnight. Healing takes time and that’s okay. I realised I needed to recover mentally, and surprisingly, I enjoyed the process.

• I switched off from some social media platforms.
• I spoke to a trusted friend.
• I found comfort in speaking to strangers, people who don’t judge. (You’ll know when you come across someone who has time to talk in the middle of a busy crowd.)
• I made a list of realistic solutions.
• I listened to podcasts, Mel Robbins was healing.
• I took long walks in the park.
• Each morning, I’d re-evaluate where I was with my problems and, for the first hour of the day, I’d review my list and current efforts.
• I reconnected spiritually.

Looking back, I realise that detours in life aren’t setbacks they’re redirections. Sometimes we’re forced to pause and take the long way, and in that stillness, we find parts of ourselves we never knew were missing. If you’re in that space right now, take heart. Be gentle with yourself. Take one step at a time. Healing isn’t a race, it’s a journey. And when you come through it, you’ll not only see the strength you carried all along, but you’ll also discover a deeper sense of who you truly are.

xx