When things don’t go as planned

I live in Los Angeles.

My family and our home are safe.

Many—way too many—were not so lucky.

The devastation and loss being experienced in our city right now is overwhelming.

This wasn’t the plan.

The first full week of the new year holds so much promise. A comforting return to pre-holiday routines meets the anything-is-possible energy of a blank slate.

This January 6 may have been the day you planned to kick off…

…working out.
…eating clean.
…scrolling less.
…journaling.
…budgeting.
…meditating.
…no snoozing.
…no drinking.
…no complaining.

Yet for many of us, 2025 has started out much differently than expected.

Setting intentions and goals is important. It’s a way of casting votes of confidence for the person you know you’re capable of becoming.

Tying intentions and goals to the new year can provide momentum and motivation—and, sometimes life has other plans.

The Los Angeles fires have been a stark reminder of how much is outside our control.

The one thing that remains in your control—the only thing—is how you respond to the circumstances of life.

If there are new-year commitments you haven’t followed through with yet, there’s no need to beat yourself up.

You can choose to respond with compassion and curiosity.

You can respond by deciding that today is the first day of your new year.

You can respond like so many Angelenos are in this deeply challenging moment—with a willingness to begin again.

Los Angeles ❤️
January 14, 2025