The Things you Think are Breaking You Might be the Things Building You.

Last week, I shared the story of why I wrote my book - the experiences, challenges, and emotions that shaped it. This week, I want to take that conversation one step further. Because the truth is, so many of the moments that inspired my book didn’t feel inspiring at the time. They felt like setbacks. And that’s what I want to talk about today - how those moments we think are pulling us back are often the exact ones preparing us to leap forward. 

We’ve all had those moments - the job you didn’t get, the friendship that fell apart, the breakup you didn’t see coming. In that moment, it feels like life has shoved you two steps back, but that’s just not true. 

The Illusion of Going Backward 

When something ends or falls apart, our first instinct is to label it as a failure or a loss. We assume we’ve wasted time, missed opportunities, or fallen behind. But most of the time, that “pause” or “detour” is redirecting you to something better suited for you - something you may not have chased if you stayed comfortable. 

Breakups

Breakups are one of the most common situations where this plays out. They feel like setbacks because they disrupt your routine, your vision for the future, and your sense of stability. But when the dust settles, many people find that breakups are actually breakthroughs - a chance to redefine what they truly want, set higher standards, and build a deeper relationship with themselves. The loss isn’t a step back; it’s the removal of what was holding you in place. 

Resilience Grows in the “In-Between”

The in-between space - that uncomfortable period after something ends but before the next thing begins - is where resilience is forged. You learn patience. You learn trust. You learn how to keep moving even without a clear map. And every time you get through one of these seasons, your confidence in your ability to handle life grows. 

Setbacks Are Setups 

The job rejection makes room for the career that lights you up. The failed project teaches you what works so the next one succeeds faster. The heartbreak clears the way for a love that’s truly aligned. Each time life pushes you back, it’s really winding the spring tighter, preparing you for a bigger leap forward than you thought possible. 

If you’re in the middle of something that feels like a setback right now, take a breath. This isn’t the end of your story. It’s a pivot point - one you’ll one day look back on as the moment things began to shift in your favor. You’re not being punished. You’re being positioned. Journal it out with The Breakthrough Journal.