Hold On

I’ll never forget that interview.

I had traveled six hours the day before, bought a new suit, studied relentlessly, got a haircut, and went to bed early—ready. Ready to interview for a master’s program I wanted with all my heart. It felt like the beginning of a new chapter.

The next morning, as I stepped out of the car and looked toward the building, my heart fluttered. Here I am. I made it. Dressed, prepared, nervous—and ready.

But when I checked in at the front desk, the woman looked confused.

I wasn’t in the right place.

The correct building was twenty minutes across town, and my ride had already left. My heart sank. I’m going to miss it. I’m going to lose this opportunity.

She kindly called me a cab, the wait felt endless. My heart pounded in my throat. It felt like it was already over.

Fast forward a few hours later. I had made it across town. I sat for three more hoursbecause the delay had pushed everything back. By then, my anxiety had built so high I could hardly stand. When I finally did the interview, I held it together—but not well. With everything swirling inside me, I walked out knowing I hadn’t done my best.

Life is like that.

We prepare, we plan, we do everything “right”—and still, things go wrong. We live in a world full of unpredictability: conflict, loss, rising pressures, and constant change. No matter how many strategies we gather or lists we follow, nothing fully prepares us for every turn life takes.

So what helps when life doesn’t go as planned?

Sometimes, the most important resources are already within us.

Our tears are one of them. Emotions—fear, sadness, frustration—tell us what matters. They give us a way to process what’s happening inside. When we allow ourselves to feel, we begin to release. When we shut it down, it often finds other ways to surface. So let yourself cry. Talk it out. Make space for your emotions.

Play is another quiet gift. It gives us a way to feel difficult emotions without facing them head-on. Whether it’s shooting pucks, painting, or engaging in something imaginative, play helps move what’s stuck inside.

Our bodies also know what to do. Movement, rest, even the urge to sleep more—these are natural ways of coping. Listening to your body can be one of the most grounding responses in uncertain times.

Kindness matters too. Small acts of care— given or received—helps release dopamine and oxytocin. Kindness shifts something in us and softens the edges.

And finally, we hold on.

When life feels uncertain or painful, holding onto others can steady us. Connection creates a kind of safety— a reminder that we don’t have to face hard things alone. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or your faith, leaning into connection matters.

So instead of trying to be ready for everything, look at what you already carry.

Let yourself feel.

Make room for play.

Offer kindness.

And hold on to your people.

Because when life doesn’t go as planned— and it won’t—these are the things that carry us through.

Dana Owen, M.A.,
Counselling Therapist