When Life Knocks You Off Track: How to Realign with Ease
After a rocky start to the 2025 year living in Los Angeles, I finally feel back in some sort of rhythm after so much devastation surrounded the city from the fires. It got me thinking about consistency and what holds us back from sticking with something, whether it’s a work project, a personal goal, or even something as simple as a new habit.
Finding Consistency After Disruptions
Life has a way of pulling us out of rhythm. Unexpected challenges, external stressors, or even internal shifts can leave us feeling ungrounded. When life feels chaotic, it’s easy to lose touch with the routines and practices that once felt natural. But just as seasons change, we have the ability to begin again.
At the start of the year, the California wildfires disrupted the lives of many, bringing an unsettling energy that made it difficult to focus, plan, or maintain a sense of consistency. Natural disasters, like wildfires, can have profound emotional and psychological effects, leading to heightened stress levels, uncertainty, and even feelings of grief over lost time and stability. When external events shake our world, even simple routines can feel impossible. It’s not uncommon to find that what once felt steady suddenly feels out of reach.
When we lose momentum, a familiar question often arises: Will I be able to start again? Doubt can creep in, telling us that consistency is only valuable if it’s uninterrupted. But the truth is, returning is just as meaningful as never leaving.
Compassion in the Face of Inconsistency
Self-criticism can be a major barrier to regaining our rhythm. When we fall out of alignment with our habits or goals, it’s tempting to focus on what we didn’t do rather than what we can do next. Instead of seeing inconsistency as failure, we can view it as part of the natural ebb and flow of life.
Psychologists have long studied the effects of self-compassion on resilience, and research suggests that individuals who practice self-kindness in moments of struggle are more likely to re-engage with their goals. Instead of asking, Why did I stop? we might ask, What do I need in order to return? This shift in perspective allows for greater self-compassion and creates space for re-engagement without shame.
For example, someone who has stepped away from a mindfulness practice due to life stressors may feel discouraged about their absence. However, reframing the experience as a pause rather than a failure can allow them to reintroduce the practice with greater ease and less resistance.
Small Steps Toward Realignment
Rebuilding consistency doesn’t require an all-or-nothing approach. Often, the best way to return to a practice is through small, intentional steps. Here are a few ways to gently reintroduce consistency:
Identify what you miss. Instead of focusing on what’s been lost, reflect on what felt good about past routines or habits. What brought you a sense of stability or fulfillment? Journaling about past experiences can be a helpful way to reconnect with what was meaningful.
Start small. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ease back in with a manageable step rather than trying to return at full force. This might mean committing to five minutes of movement instead of a full workout, or reading one page instead of finishing a book in one sitting.
Acknowledge the disruption. External events, like the fires, can create real challenges. Recognizing these difficulties without judgment helps create a more compassionate path forward. Give yourself permission to validate what you have experienced rather than ignoring its impact.
Embrace flexibility. Sometimes, consistency doesn’t mean doing something the same way every time—it means adapting to what’s needed in the present moment. A new schedule, modified approach, or different structure may be necessary to maintain a sense of balance.
Beginning Again
Returning to a routine or goal after a disruption is not just possible—it’s part of the human experience. The ability to start again, to realign, and to show up with self-compassion is a powerful practice in itself. Rather than viewing disruptions as setbacks, we can see them as opportunities to reflect, reassess, and return with greater awareness.
For those who struggle with perfectionism, this mindset shift can be particularly freeing. The idea that every habit must be maintained flawlessly can lead to avoidance when consistency is lost. However, by normalizing the process of beginning again, we allow ourselves to stay engaged even when the path is nonlinear.
If you’ve fallen out of rhythm, consider this your reminder that it’s okay to begin again. Whether it’s a personal practice, a creative pursuit, or a commitment to your well-being, you can always return—one small step at a time.
For additional support in navigating disruptions, you may find the American Psychological Association’s article on recovering emotionally from disaster helpful.
If you're looking for more personalized support in rebuilding consistency and navigating life’s challenges, I offer therapy services that provide a compassionate and holistic approach to healing. Learn more at Amanda Sacks Therapy or book a free consultation call here.
xoxo,
Amanda
