By Leslii Stevens ERYT500, YACEP, Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher, Ayurveda Practitioner
Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs often when we least expect it, sometimes when we’re already dodging a few that were lobbed at us weeks, months, or years ago. The balls keep coming, faster and harder, and sometimes in those split seconds, it feels like you’re out there with no bat in hand, just standing in the outfield waiting to be slammed by whatever’s headed your way.
But here’s the thing: how we handle those unexpected hits says a lot about us. Whether it’s an injury, a family revelation, a business roadblock, or yet another twist in your mental health journey, each curveball gives us a chance to show our emotional grit. And, honestly? Grit doesn’t mean pretending everything’s fine or pushing through the pain like some superhero who never flinches. Grit is about showing up exactly as we are, fully acknowledging the shitstorm in front of us, and deciding to navigate it without letting it define or derail us.
Step 1: Recognize You’re in the Game
You know those moments when life decides to be all “Here, have this!” and you’re not sure if you should duck, dive, or just let it hit you? The first move in dealing with any curveball is simply acknowledging it. It might seem too basic to even mention, but for most of us, the gut reaction is denial or frustration. And hey, that’s part of it, too. But the key is not letting the shock stop us. Let yourself feel whatever rushes up in that initial moment whether it’s anger, sadness, or the “Are you kidding me?” kind of disbelief. Recognize that it’s okay to be taken aback; in fact, it’s necessary.
Step 2: Own Your Emotions (Don’t Let Them Own You)
Emotional maturity doesn’t mean we don’t feel things deeply; it means we acknowledge those feelings without letting them control our actions. When life smacks you with a curveball, sit with the emotions it stirs up. Think of it as a team huddle with yourself. Are you anxious? Pissed off? Hurt? Recognizing and naming what you’re feeling isn’t weak; it’s empowering.
This isn’t about bottling up the emotions and hoping they go away. This is about allowing yourself to actually feel them without getting swept up. The trick? Knowing that these emotions will pass if you give them space. When you let yourself feel without judgment, you can begin to see clearly how you want to move forward.
Step 3: Lean into Resilience, Not Drama
Emotional resilience is a hell of a lot more powerful than drama. When life throws you a curveball, it’s easy to get caught up in the “Why me?” mindset, or to start spinning tales of how unfair everything is. But honestly? Drama only adds more noise and tension to an already tough situation.
Choosing resilience means shifting focus from the unfairness of it all to the tools you’ve built over a lifetime. Your resilience muscles don’t grow in the easy, smooth days they grow in the mess, in the chaos, and in the moments that feel like they might just break you. Trust yourself to handle what’s in front of you without feeding into the drama. Instead, lean on that inner resolve, that voice inside that’s been through hard stuff before and made it through, even stronger.
Step 4: Make Room for Self-Compassion
We’re quick to cheer for friends, family, and even strangers who face life’s challenges, but when it comes to our own struggles, we tend to get harsher and less forgiving. So, let me be clear: if you’re dealing with something huge, give yourself a break. If you need to take a breather, do it. Compassion isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s what allows us to get back up, again and again, even when we feel like we’ve got nothing left.
Sometimes, that curveball might mean you’re out of the game temporarily, and that’s okay. Self-compassion helps you bounce back when you’re ready, with fewer bruises and a heart that’s still open to trying again. So, yes, be a rock for yourself. But also be the soft place you can fall back on when things get rough.
Step 5: Use the Curveball as a Catalyst
Here’s where the magic happens. Every time life throws a curveball your way, it also hands you an opportunity to redefine who you are and what you’re capable of. These challenges can serve as turning points, offering us a chance to reevaluate, reset, and recommit to what really matters.
The situation might look bleak at first, but take a closer look. Sometimes, the curveball is an invitation to explore a different path or approach a problem in a way you hadn’t before. Use these moments to grow your patience, deepen your self-awareness, or remind yourself that you are, in fact, capable of handling hard things—even when they seem impossible.
Final Thoughts: Be the Calm Amidst the Chaos
Life’s curveballs are guaranteed; they’re just part of the game. The choice we get is in how we respond. We can either let the chaos consume us, or we can become the calm amidst it. I’m not saying it’s easy or that you’ll always get it right. Hell, sometimes you’ll lose your cool, throw a fit, or want to just tap out. And that’s okay. What matters is that you keep stepping up, refining how you handle things, and showing up for yourself in whatever way you need.
In the end, when those curveballs hit and they will remember that your greatest power isn’t in stopping them. It’s in learning to navigate each one with all the resilience, grit, and balance you’ve spent a lifetime building. And maybe, just maybe, that’s where the magic really lies.
Don’t let it knock you out of the game.
Let's Rock this Planet!!
Leslii