A Second Chance: Embracing the Detours of Life and Career

Sometimes, the most valuable part of a journey isn’t the destination, but the lessons learned along the way. We often find ourselves at a crossroads in our careers or lives, wondering if we’ve missed something — a turn we should have taken, a decision we didn’t make. It’s easy to think that the road not traveled is a lost opportunity. But what if it’s not?

As we go through life, it's common to feel that we’ve reached an end of the road, especially when our careers seem to have plateaued, or we question whether we’ve made the right choices. We look back at the earlier turns, wondering what might have been if we’d taken them instead. Yet, the beauty of our paths lies not in a perfect line, but in the detours, the wrong turns, and the unexpected opportunities that come our way. Each misstep and each alternate road brings something valuable — experiences, knowledge, and, most importantly, growth.

For me, a big part of my success in both my career and my personal life came from these so-called "happy accidents" — moments that seemed like misdirections at the time but ultimately led me to where I am now. I didn’t always follow the plan I had set out. In fact, much of my career has been shaped by the ability to pivot, to embrace unexpected opportunities, and to learn from the detours along the way.

At one point, like many people, I reached what seemed to be the end of my road. I had to make a decision: was I happy with where I was? And what would life look like if I had taken a different path years ago? I started to reflect on the road less traveled, and that’s when something extraordinary happened.

I was gifted with a second chance — an opportunity to reconnect with something I had always loved: coaching. For years, I had incorporated coaching into my work, but due to responsibilities and other life obligations, it was never my sole focus. Today, I find myself living a life I never thought possible back when I first started out. I’ve met people and built relationships I never would have crossed paths with, and I’m embracing life more fully because I’m more present, more aware of what truly matters — relationships, friendships, and personal growth.

As we approach spring of 2025, a time when the world seems to be facing so many challenges, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and calling. The road ahead may be uncertain, but it’s a road I’m eager to continue traveling. My message to you, as you read this, is simple: reflect on your journey. Think about those moments when you felt like you missed a turn. Instead of looking back with regret, consider what those moments taught you, what they gave you. And when you’re ready, take that second chance, that next turn — you might be surprised where it leads.

Have you ever felt like you got a second chance? I hope you’ll join me on this journey as I share more about the tools, ideas, and inspiration that can help you take that next step. It’s amazing what happens when life’s sliding doors open in a new direction.