Shake It Off and Keep Moving Forward
.We’ve all been there.
The much-anticipated trip, the event we carefully planned, the moment we’ve been counting down to for months—only for life to come barging in with its own chaotic agenda.
That’s exactly what happened on our recent trip to Hawaii.
This wasn’t just a vacation—it was a year in the making. My husband and I were traveling with my sister and brother-in-law, ready for rest, sunshine, and island adventure. We landed with excitement in our hearts and sand in our shoes.
But within the first 24 hours, the tone shifted.
My husband started feeling unwell.
Then, a sudden and serious family emergency called my brother-in-law and sister back home.
And just as they were packing their bags, I started to feel the same symptoms my husband had.
Our long-awaited Hawaiian getaway turned into several quiet days in bed, surrounded not by volcanoes or waterfalls—but by cold medicine and canceled plans.
Was it disappointing? Of course.
Was it frustrating? Absolutely.
Did I want to pout and feel sorry for myself? Oh, you better believe it.
But here’s the truth I kept circling back to: sometimes you just have to shake it off.
Not everything goes according to plan. And while that can feel defeating in the moment, it doesn’t mean the whole story is a loss. We were together. We were safe. We’re getting better. And we’ll have more moments—more trips, more laughter, more sunshine.
I’ve learned that mindset is everything.
We can choose to carry the weight of what didn’t happen—or we can shake it off, stand back up, and look toward what’s still possible.
So wherever you are today—whether you’re in the middle of a curveball or recovering from one—know this:
You have permission to feel it. But then, shake it off.
Find the good. Hold onto hope. And keep moving forward.
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
—Psalm 30:5 (KJV)
Because beautiful things still lie ahead.
—Vickie
