How to Turn Setbacks into Comebacks: My Personal Journey

Five simple words took the breath from my chest, snapping me back in my seat with a thunderous boom. “I'm about 3 minutes away,” I told my boss at the time on speakerphone, coming to a halt in some redirected traffic off 85N. Apparently, there were two fatalities on 85N, according to the radio chatter.

Something told me to turn around and go home, but I ignored it because I needed the money, and I was practically there. And just like that, my world flipped upside down—I was rear-ended by a truck going well over the speed limit; the driver; was distracted by his phone.

Even though I planned to leave this job by December, I never expected to be leaving like this. To make matters worse, I was already going through a separation, and the accident seemed like the perfect time for my partner to move forward with the divorce on her "fabricated" terms.

Yes, you read that right... accident and divorce at the same d@$m time! WOW!

But that’s how life goes. The truth is, the universe has a way of pruning our lives for us through diagnoses, disasters, deaths, divorces, accidents, and other disruptions. These disruptions are growth lessons, challenges that push us to STRETCH beyond what’s comfortable, rise to the occasion, and embrace who we truly are and what truly matters for our happiness and peace.

But it's not the only way.

Let’s be honest: When was the last time you took a serious inventory of your relationships—personal, financial, physical, or spiritual? Anything that requires your literal investment of time and energy?

Probably rarely, or maybe never, am I right?

Thought so.

Whether it’s making a conscious decision or being forced by circumstances, letting go is one of the hardest yet healthiest things you can do for yourself.

It’s healthy to let go of heartbreak and embrace healing.

It’s healthy to release pain and find perspective.

It’s healthy to move on from fake friends and followers and embrace loyalty.

No matter how you look at it, letting go clears the way for you to heal and grow. And any setback is just another moment for you to make your comeback.

But how do you build the strength to transform these challenges into triumphs?

Read on to discover 4 simple ways to let go, build resilience, and turn any setback into your ultimate comeback.

4 Ways to Turn Any Setback Into Your Comeback

Give Yourself Permission.

One of the biggest barriers to letting go of what’s holding you back is the belief that you simply can't. But is that true? As humans, we've built some pretty amazing things, like this wonderful internet we use daily. Do you really think you can’t learn to let go and move forward? Now is the time to replace that limiting belief with a new one. Give yourself permission to release what’s no longer serving you.

Accept It Couldn't Have Happened Any Other Way.

It’s easy to get stuck in "should have," "could have," or "would have" thinking, but there is only here and now. Let go of the past and accept that this is how things are. Accepting reality allows you to stop wasting energy wishing things were different.

Get It Out.

Keeping your feelings buried only makes things worse. Allow yourself to feel the full magnitude of your emotions. Talk to a friend, speak with a therapist, or journal your thoughts. Getting it out helps you heal faster and prevents negative energy from spilling into other parts of your life.

Focus Your Attention.

When overwhelmed, focus your awareness on one thing at a time. Engage in productive activities you enjoy and that bring you peace. It’s the small, positive steps that help you regain control and move forward.

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