When Something That Only Happens to Other People... Happens to You

Losing a job. Getting a devastating phone call. A breakup you didn’t see coming. A medical emergency. A flood in your basement. Winning an Instagram giveaway.

All of these are the kind of things that seem to happen to other people—until suddenly, they happen to you.

(Seriously, does anyone actually win those giveaways?)

Maybe it’s one of these, or something else that knocks your world sideways. One day, you’re going about your life, and the next, you’re standing in a reality you didn’t see coming, wondering how to move forward.

I’m not a professional, but I’ve had one of those weeks where life changed overnight. And in the chaos, these three things have helped me find my footing. I hope they help you, too.

1. Let Yourself Fall Apart (But Not Forever)

You don’t have to be strong every second. You can cry in the shower, scream in your car, or sit in silence, staring at the wall. Give yourself permission to feel everything—but also remind yourself: I will not unpack and live here forever. Your heart is allowed to break, but you will keep moving.

2. Control the Controllables

When the big things feel unbearable, focus on small wins. Drink water. Take a shower. Make a list. Answer one email. These micro-actions remind you that even in chaos, you do have some control. The world may have shifted, but you are still here, still making choices, still moving forward—one small step at a time.

3. Find a Hand to Hold (Literally or Figuratively)

Hard things get harder when we try to do them alone. Call a friend. Let someone bring you a meal. Find a therapist or a community who gets it. Or, if words feel too heavy, just sit next to someone who loves you. There’s power in not being alone, even when everything feels like it’s falling apart.

I don’t have all the answers, but I do know this: When something that only happens to other people happens to you, you won’t be the same—but you will get through it. One moment, one step, one breath at a time.

If you’re in one of those seasons, know that you are not alone. And if you’ve been through one before, reply and tell me: what helped you?

Xo,
The Salesgirls