How to Handle Disappointment at Our Savvy Age

When Life Pulls the Rug out from Underneath You (Again)

How to Handle Disappointment at Our Savvy Age

Ever feel like the universe hits reply all with bad news? Same.

We were all set. Dreams drawn, plans paid for, energy invested—and then, the great “Plot Twist” strikes again.

You are probably wondering “What Happened?” Well…the gym slipped through our fingers. I won’t get into the details but we were definitely disappointed by the turn of events. Not one to let a little thing like this get to me – I came up with a new idea. 💡 Steve and I were both pretty excited about the possibility of this new idea. We even had a back up plan and then pow! Gone! Faster than a tray of fresh-baked scones at Linda’s. I mean seriously…WTF? 🤦‍♀️

Now I was REALLY disappointed. I told Steve “maybe it’s a sign and I shouldn’t be doing any of it”. If you know my hubby he is not a – glass is half empty – type of guy and he quickly snapped me out of my pity party…and as much as I wanted to just smack him for it, I knew he was right…YES Steve…I said you were r-r-r-right!  🙄

Here’s how I didn’t spiral into a pit of “Why me?” (okay… maybe a short spiral). These four steps helped me right the ship when disappointment made it feel like I’d lost my wind.

Step 1: 

The Situation – What’s Actually Happening?

This is where I channel my inner journalist (minus the trench coat):

What exactly happened? What’s true, what’s emotional static, and what’s the next immediate move?

In my case:

• We entered into a partnership, and the terms changed—significantly.
• Promising ‘new ideas’ got snatched up or shut down due to red tape.
• It’s frustrating, sure. But not the end. Just… not the beginning I’d imagined.

I name it. Own it. And remind myself: this is one moment, not the whole story.

Step 2: 

Your Support System – Who’s in Your Corner?

You know who keeps me grounded when the ground feels shaky? My circle.

The people who let me vent without fixing it, who refill my tea (or wine), who remind me why I started, and who gently nudge me to take a deep breath when I start threatening to move to a remote cabin.

These are the ones who say, “Okay. That stinks. What now?” and mean it.

Step 3: 

Your Self – What’s in Your Toolbox?

Disappointments are sneaky—they make us forget our own strengths.

So I pause and take inventory:

• I’m creative.
• I’m resilient.
• I’ve faced bigger plot twists and came out stronger.
• I have a vision that’s still worth fighting for.

Even when the path changes, the why stays true.

Step 4: 

Your Coping Strategies – What’s Your Game Plan?

Some folks hit the treadmill. I hit my journal, or take Tank for a long walk (he listens, doesn’t interrupt).

Sometimes I give myself 24 hours to sulk, binge mindless chick flicks, and eat something deliciously unhelpful and almost always unhealthy  Then I get up, wash my face, and write the next list, email, or message that moves me forward.

I call it  “Putting on Your Big Girl Panties”.

Final Thoughts

We’ve lived long enough to know that disappointment isn’t failure—it’s just life pulling a fast one to keep us humble… or at least mildly confused.

If you’re walking through a setback right now—big or small—know this:

You’re not alone. And you’re not stuck. You’re just rerouting.

And who knows? That third option (the one you didn’t see coming yet) might just be better than the first two combined.

Until then… deep breaths, warm mugs, good friends, and a reminder that we savvy women? We bounce. Maybe not high as we once did, maybe not as fast as we once did—but we always bounce.

 

Today’s Reflection:

What disappointment have you faced recently—and what does it reveal about your strength, values, or next step?

You’ve got something powerful here. Even in the mess. Especially in the mess. It’s where your grit, grace, and good humour shine the brightest 😉