Life happens, and it ain't always pretty.

Let me tell you a story of how a totally shitty start to a day can turn into a crazy and wonderful revelation. It's a story about overcoming obstacles...or not?

So here's my story...

Last Tuesday morning I ran over my MacBook Pro with my car. It was a horrible accident that happened because I was super stressed out from burning the candle at both ends and I was running late for my other job.

I was utterly and completely devastated.

I thought to myself, I have spent the last 12-18 months pouring my heart and soul, blood, sweat, and tears into my blog and yet I haven't really made much progress, at least financially. This surely must be a sign from The Universe that it's time to move on, time to find some other job. A "real" job as some might say.

I gave it some thought throughout the day. Like, really took time to deep dive into what this all meant.

That night, I decided to announce on my personal Facebook account that I was giving up on my dream of being an online health and wellness coach, for now. I had officially raised my white flag. My declaration of surrender was official.

Then came the responses.

People who I didn't even think knew that I had a blog were telling me that they loved reading my blog posts. Others were saying that they were finally getting their kids to eat healthy, thanks to me. I even had someone say that I had changed their life (they were taking my nutrition and diet recommendations and finally feeling better after years of feeling like crap.) The testimonials went on and on.

Then a friend sent me some money on Venmo "For a laptop fund because you can't give up! The world needs you to keep going!"

I was a hot mess and ugly crying all over again. I mean, who could have ever predicted that such a shitty start to the day would turn into something so wonderful and heartwarming?

It was like looking behind the curtain and seeing who the wizard really was. There was no going back. Now I had to make a really big decision. I knew the truth; people wanted what I had to offer, but was I going to keep showing up?

Would I show up? or give up?

No laptop? Fine. I got this. I am the Phoenix. Rising from the ashes, armed with only an iPhone and an iPad. I have no idea how I'm going to do this but I will figure it out. Blogging for me right now is going to look very different...and that's ok. #thisgirlisonfire

Don't let ANYTHING stand in the way of your dreams. You might encounter obstacles, big and small, but you always have a choice to go around, find a different path, or a make a steeper climb.

Sometimes the obstacles MAKE the path.

My story is your story is everyone's story

We all have to overcome obstacles in our lives.

For some, the challenge is eating a healthier diet, an illness, or perhaps a disability. For others, it may be dealing with really stressful life events, time constraints, or financial stressors. No matter what you are trying to overcome, you have a choice just as I did.

Will you show up? or give up?

Think of these obstacles as tests. They are put in front of you to shake out of you what you really want. The harder you work towards your goals or desires, the more benefits you will reap from achieving them.

If the first obstacle thrown your way completely derails you, then perhaps it was the wrong path for you. Perhaps what you thought you wanted or needed wasn't actually what you want or need for this season in your life.

How does my story relate to you?

Take a moment and really think hard about what your most important goals are. What do you want or need most in this season of your life? If you could feel amazing, what would that look like? Where would you be? What would you be doing? See it in your mind.

1. Write down your goals. 

Now, what is standing in your way? What obstacles do you have to overcome?

2. Write down your obstacles to overcome. 

So, how do you overcome them, go around them, or get past them?

3. If you get this far and haven't given up yet, then you have strength and passion! That is the first step. Next, brainstorm some ideas and formulate a plan. Sometimes plans take time to develop or show themselves, sometimes you need external help to sort through stuff. Still, you need a plan. 

A goal without a plan is just a wish. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Now you have drafted your story, or at least part of it. Post your goals, your obstacles, and your plan somewhere you will be forced to see it every single day. Don't lose sight of it!

Your goals and obstacles, even your plans, may change as the seasons in your life change. Don't be afraid to rewrite or edit them!

Don't let ANYTHING stand in the way of your goals or dreams. You might encounter obstacles, big and small, but you always have a choice to go around, find a different path, or a make a steeper climb.

Sometimes the obstacles MAKE the path. Turn your obstacles into opportunities. Show up, do the work, and create the life that you want.

You got this! I'm rooting for you!

P.S. Do you want an update on my laptop? I sent out some "I need a miracle" vibes to The Universe and days later I got a call from Apple...they were actually able to repair my Macbook! I almost fell over from shock...but shock turned into gratitude and joy! Watch out world - I'm back in action and ready to transform lives with all cylinders firing!