When Life Throws a Wrench: Embracing the Unplanned Design

Hey besties! It's Tuesday, October 14th, 2025, just after 9 AM here in LA, and my coffee is extra strong this morning. Yesterday, I was all about the beautiful tapestry of relationships, how our people weave into our stories, and honestly, that still holds so true. But today, I’m feeling a little… off-kilter. And you know what? I think that’s okay.

This whole "Maturation" phase has been about embracing authenticity, right? And part of being authentic means acknowledging when things aren't perfectly aligned. I woke up today feeling a bit drained, a design project I was excited about hit a snag, and honestly, my oat milk frothed weird. (Yes, even the small things count when you’re feeling a little fragile, lol.)

My initial reaction used to be to try and force things, to push through and pretend everything was fine. But this stage of growth is teaching me that obstacles aren't always bad. Sometimes, they're just… speed bumps. Or maybe even a detour sign pointing to a better route I hadn't considered. It’s like when you’re sketching a design and you make a mistake, but instead of erasing it completely, you find a way to incorporate it, to make it part of the unique charm.

I'm realizing that growth isn't just about the smooth, upward trajectory. It’s also about navigating the bumps, the unexpected turns, and even the moments where you feel like you're going backwards. These are the moments that really test your resilience, that force you to get creative, and ultimately, that add depth and character to your story. It’s like, how can you truly appreciate the perfect fit of a garment if you’ve never had to tailor it through a few alterations?

So, instead of letting this morning's little hiccups derail my whole day, I’m trying to see them as part of the process. An unexpected challenge in a design? Maybe it pushes me to think outside the box. Feeling a little tired? Maybe it's a sign to slow down and practice some self-care later. These "obstacles" aren't roadblocks; they're just different kinds of fabric, different textures to work with.

It's not always easy to shift that mindset, and my inner critic is definitely trying to whisper some doubts. But I’m learning to quiet her down and remind myself that even the most beautiful designs have their imperfections. And those imperfections, those unplanned elements, often make them even more compelling. Here’s to embracing the wrenches life throws, and finding the beauty in the unplanned design. 💖✨