There’s an old saying: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” A solid sentiment, but why stop there? You could turn them into a zesty dressing, pair them with oranges for a refreshing snack, or even juggle them for fun. The point is—you get to decide what to do with the lemons life throws your way.
Of course, we’re not really talking about lemons. We’re talking about life’s unexpected challenges.
The reality is, uncertainty is one of life’s only certainties. No matter how much you plan and prepare, surprises will come—some good, some frustrating, and some that test your patience. But in the end, how you respond is always up to you.
Naturally, it’s nice when things go according to plan. Routines, habits, and structure help us stay healthy, happy, and grounded. But imagine if every day unfolded exactly as expected—no surprises, no deviations. Life would become stagnant, predictable, and, frankly, dull. Growth happens in moments of disruption. It’s in the unexpected that we stretch, adapt, and build resilience.
Last week, I had a masterclass in this lesson.
It started with my dishwasher breaking beyond repair. Then, my kettle began leaking. Moments later, my microwave started humming ominously, as if warning me to vacate the kitchen. I took the hint and left.
Seeking refuge in my study, I decided to change the batteries on the fairy lights above my desk. As I reached up, I accidentally knocked one of my crystals off the shelf. It landed—of course—on my phone screen, shattering it into a spiderweb of cracks.
Determined not to let this ruin my day, I finished replacing the batteries. But as I turned the fairy lights on, a spark flashed, followed by the unmistakable smell of burnt electronics. The motherboard had fried. The lights were dead.
Needing a break, I retreated to the garden. Surely, nature would be kinder. I trimmed the lavender bed and the wisteria, feeling a small sense of accomplishment—until I realized I had mistakenly snipped one of the wisteria’s roots.
I walked back inside, defeated, and grabbed my laptop to write out my frustration. Except, my laptop—fully charged—refused to turn on. That was the moment panic truly set in.
At this point, I had two choices: spiral into frustration or lean into the absurdity of it all. I chose laughter. Because what else can you do? Stressing wouldn’t fix a single thing, but shifting my perspective could.
As I let go of my frustration, I started seeing the silver linings:
- The dishwasher was a decade old and due for replacement. I found a great deal on a new one.
- The microwave and kettle? Also ancient—this was inevitable.
- The fairy lights had cost $10 and had lasted four years. Not a bad run.
- My iPhone contract was up for renewal anyway, and I had spare cash from selling old designer items—perfect timing.
- The laptop crisis? Thanks to my two backup systems, I lost almost nothing and, after some troubleshooting, got it working again.
- The wisteria? Out of ten roots, one accidental trim likely won’t do much damage. And yes, there’s such a thing as plant repair tape, and I used it to the best of my ability to patch it up.
What started as a disastrous day turned into an opportunity to flex my “positivity muscles.” More importantly, I saw it as a sign: stop trying to do too much at once. Sometimes, life doesn’t just whisper—it shouts. And if we’re paying attention, we might just hear the message.
So, when life gives you lemons, remember: You always have a choice. Make lemonade, make a snack, or just have a good laugh and juggle them. Either way, it’s up to you.