Plans change: here's how to deal

You know how they say life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans? Well, recently, life decided to throw some unexpected changes my way. In moments like these, I've learned that the key isn’t about clinging to control, but about letting go—and sometimes, letting God.

Here are two stories that taught me this lesson, featuring Buddy the Cat and the fires in LA.

Finding Buddy: A Lesson in Letting Go

About 2 weeks ago, Ryan and I found a tiny, desperate kitty clinging to a tree. He was dirty, sick, and starving, so naturally, we lured him into a cat carrier with tuna, and took him in. Over the course of the week, we discovered this clearly domesticated cat had never received basic medical care. So, we did what any self-respecting cat lovers would do: we treated his fleas and parasites, got him vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, and fed him really well. Buddy was thriving and had made himself very comfortable in our home.

Then, just as we were falling in love with Buddy, we discovered that someone in our building had lost him. His owner, though young and inexperienced, was desperate to have him back. She agreed to be coached on proper cat care and even paid for all the medical bills we had covered. And so, I had to give him back.

WHICH WAS HORRIBLE.

As hard as it was to let Buddy go, it reminded me of something fundamental about my work as a coach. Just as with clients, my job is to set you up for a great life and then trust that you will live it well. We become attached to our favorite clients (and trust me, you really do fall in love with them—just like we did with Buddy), but our role is to leave them well and whole, at the gates of paradise. After that, it’s their job to walk through and live.

Even though we miss Buddy so much, Ryan and I take comfort in knowing that we set him up royally for life. That’s a good feeling.

The Cancellations in LA: A Lesson in Letting God

We also had two major launch parties planned in LA next week for GILDED - on January 23rd and 26th. These events were meant to be incredible celebrations, filled with friends, supporters, and excitement. But life had other plans—both events were canceled and rescheduled due to the fires ravaging LA right now.

This is what you would call an Act of God.

I could have gotten frustrated—and I am sorry to say that a part of me did feel that way at first. But then I reminded myself: such frustration would be pretty petty given the magnitude of what the people in LA are dealing with right now. The ego can be juvenile like that, and that’s okay—as long as you don’t act on it and learn to resolve it internally.

Instead of clinging to frustration, I chose to let go. I trusted that everything would work out in its own time, and I reminded myself that some things are simply beyond our control. The parties will happen, eventually, when the time is right. In the meantime, my job is to stay grounded and maintain perspective.

Your Call to Action: Attain This Level Mindset

Whether it’s about a cat you’ve fallen in love with or a party you’ve been planning for months, life will show you, too, that even the best and biggest of plans change. Careers and marriages fall apart, passions change. When they do, the real magic lies in how you respond. Will you cling to control and frustration, or will you trust, let go, and move forward?

If you are ready for mindset mastery, I invite you to book a free consultation with me. Let’s explore how to help you navigate life’s twists and turns with grace, humor, and strength.

Click here to book your call: calendly.com/kereneldad

With love, letting go, and a lot of gratitude,

Keren