Episode 293: Detours Are Inevitable, Suffering Is Not
How Six Teenagers Taught Me That Joy Doesn't Require Perfect Circumstances
Sometimes the best lessons about resilience come from unexpected teachers. Last week, our car broke down on the highway with six teenage girls after our perfect vacation on Martha's Vineyard. I thought our trip was ruined. Instead, these young women showed me something profound about joy, community, and choosing your response to life's detours.
When Perfect Plans Meet Reality
Picture this: Six teenage girls, one stressed mom, and a car that dies on the highway. We were four hours from home. The gas pedal stopped working just as we settled in for our drive back to New Jersey.
Everyone was scrolling through 1,200 vacation photos. Taylor Swift was playing. Then suddenly, nothing.
My first thought? Pure panic. This was every parent's nightmare. Other people's children in my care, stranded on a highway with no backup plan. Moreover, I had visions of angry parents, missed dinners, and a vacation ending in disaster.
However, here's what actually happened: These girls turned our "emergency" into an adventure.
The TJ Maxx Masterclass in Business Resilience
After getting safely to a dealership, we arranged for a ride home. Furthermore, we found ourselves with hours to kill at a highway shopping center. Instead of complaining about the delay, these teenagers did something remarkable.
They made the best of our situation:
• They turned TJ Maxx into their personal perfume testing lab
• They made Starbucks their phone charging station and story hub
• They played volleyball in the parking lot while waiting
• They had group hugs and endless laughter
"Thank God we have each other."
That's what one girl said during our parking lot group hug. Not "I can't wait to get home." Not "this is terrible." Thank God we have each other.
The Wisdom of Unlearned Limits
Watching these young women navigate our crisis taught me something crucial. They hadn't learned yet that problems require suffering. Additionally, they hadn't been told that when plans fall apart, you must feel stressed, frustrated, or anxious.
They just adapted. Then they found joy in the process.
As business owners and adults, we think differently. Client cancels? Immediate panic. System crashes? Automatic frustration. Traffic jam? Instant anger. As a result, we give away our happiness too easily.
"We give away joy far too easily. Long line at the post office? Instant frustration. Traffic jam? Immediate anger. Plans fall apart? Automatic stress response."
Redefining Resilience for Women Entrepreneurs
I used to think resilience meant gritting your teeth through hard times. However, these teenagers showed me something different. Resilience isn't about suffering through difficult moments. Instead, it's about keeping access to joy no matter what happens.
A mentor once shared something powerful with me. He said, "To suffer is to assume you know better than the universe." That night, stranded at a highway rest stop, I finally got it.
"To suffer is to assume you know better than the universe."
We were safe. We had each other. We had options. Therefore, the only thing making the situation "bad" was my demand that it should be different.
Business Lessons from a Broken Car
This experience reminded me of something crucial for entrepreneurs. Your response to problems matters more than the problems themselves. Furthermore, your business will have breakdown moments.
Plans will fall apart. Systems will fail. Markets will shift. Nevertheless, suffering through these moments isn't required.
"Your response to disruption matters more than the disruption itself."
The most successful business owners I know have mastered this skill. They can pivot without losing their center. Moreover, they can adapt without giving up their peace. As a result, they refuse to let situations control their emotions.
Building Community During Crisis
Perhaps the most beautiful part of our "disaster" was watching it bring us closer. Instead of letting stress divide us, the girls used the challenge differently. They shared snacks and took care of each other. Additionally, they turned our waiting time into memory-making time.
As entrepreneurs, we often try to handle problems on our own. However, there's wisdom in that teenager's words: "Thank God we have each other." The people in your corner matter more than the problems you're facing.
Choosing Adventure Over Anxiety
By the time our rescue ride arrived, something magical had happened. What started as a potential disaster had become the most joyful part of our weekend. Furthermore, the girls got extended vacation time. I got a masterclass in resilience. We all got a story we'll remember forever.
The car still needed fixing. The parents were still worried. Nevertheless, we chose to find adventure in our anxiety instead of letting problems steal our joy.
"Sometimes the detour becomes more valuable than the original destination."
Personal Growth Through Unexpected Detours
As I thought about our experience, I realized something important. Maybe the breakdown was exactly what we needed. I had been rushing to get the girls home. Moreover, I was focused on the destination rather than the journey.
The car stopping every time I tried to speed up felt meaningful. It was as if the universe were saying, "Slow down and enjoy this moment."
Sometimes the detour becomes more valuable than the original plan. Additionally, sometimes the breakdown leads to the breakthrough.
Emotional Intelligence in Action
These teenagers displayed something most adults struggle with. They showed emotional intelligence in real-time. Instead of letting fear take over, they chose curiosity. Rather than focusing on what went wrong, they looked for what could go right.
"They hadn't learned yet that unexpected problems require suffering. They just adapted and found joy in the process."
This is a crucial skill for women entrepreneurs. Furthermore, it's something we can all learn to develop. The ability to stay emotionally balanced during chaos isn't just helpful—it's essential for business success.
Your Next Business Detour
Life will hand you unexpected detours. Your business will face unplanned challenges. Plans will crumble, systems will fail, and situations will be less than ideal.
When that happens, remember six teenagers who turned a highway emergency into a celebration. Remember that joy doesn't require perfect situations. Instead, it requires letting go of how things "should" be.
"The question isn't whether disruption will come. It's whether you'll choose adventure or anxiety when it does."
Ready to Build Unshakeable Business Confidence?
If this story resonated with you, you're exactly who I created my Abundance Academy for. It's where women entrepreneurs learn to stay centered, find joy in the journey, and build businesses that thrive, no matter what life throws their way.
Learn More About Abundance Academy here or schedule a Free Breakthrough Call here.
About Sarah Walton
Sarah Walton is a business coach, podcast host, and mentor who helps women entrepreneurs build businesses they love. She's the creator of the Abundance Academy, Effortless Sales, and the Game On Girlfriend® podcast. Sarah's mission is to put more money in the hands of more women while teaching authentic, heart-centered business strategies.
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