The Unexpected Visitor: Finding Strength in Surprising Moments

Last night I didn’t sleep well. Thankfully not because of menopisses, but because of unexpected visitors in the backyard. A stray cat… and, um, a possum.

At 5 am, I was wide awake, staring at the ceiling (ok, reading a little too), thinking of every excuse not to go to my workout class. It wasn’t just about the motivation to get there, I know I’ll leave feeling amazing, it was about walking in.

Comparing myself to women with ripped abs, stacks of Cartier bracelets, and bodies that seem to defy gravity. Meanwhile, I’ve been struggling with job loss and identity, feeling like I don’t belong.

But not today.

An Unexpected Conversation

Before class, I ran into an acquaintance. We’ve never hung out, but we see each other around. She asked how I was doing, and suddenly it all came out:

“I got fired a month ago and I don’t know what I’m doing.”

In the middle of the yoga studio lobby, I felt exposed. But she pulled me aside and said:

“I got let go a year ago. Maybe it has something to do with women our age. You’re awesome. You’ll figure it out.”

I told her about sending out resumes, she told me about downsizing, about life being better on the other side. Her words reminded me I wasn’t alone.

Fueled by that unexpected kindness, I went into class and kicked ass. I let it all out.

Why the Unexpected Matters

Just like the cat and possum in the backyard, that conversation was unexpected, but meaningful.

Some days I feel lost. Some days I feel focused. But today reminded me why I write here: so you don’t feel alone either.

Maybe you don’t like my recipes. Maybe you roll your eyes at my jardiniere journey on Instagram. Maybe you think I should push different products. That’s ok.

What matters is this: I’m going through something life-changing, and I’m determined to come out of it better than I went in. And I’d love for this site, Disbih, to be about us, not just me. If you want to share your story here, come on board.

Moving Forward

I’m going to keep doing my thing. And I know it’s the unexpected, people, conversations, moments (and maybe possums), that will keep guiding me forward.

Thanks for being here, for being part of this ride. xoMS