Sometimes You Just Don't Know

Morning,
"Sometimes life comes at you fast." I heard those words on a funny commercial on TV. I know it's true. You can be bopping along, things can be great, and then, Wham (clap of your hands) ... things change on a dime.

Now, at the risk of sounding too "new age," according to astrologists, Mercury is in Retrograde. What the heck does that mean? Well, it means things are unpredictable and often it feels like you have little control over what happens around you. For example, a description of Mercury in Retrograde says: Businesses, travels and communications tend to experience delays and different problems. Computers and other processes that work with information may experience crashes, unexpected failures.Don't enroll in courses, don't buy expensive Mercurian items (books, cars, mobile phones etc.), don't sign important contracts and do not marry.
The descriptions online offer many "warnings." Well, I don't like to really buy into this thinking .... But, the last few days have been interesting.
1. Two emails that I absolutely sent were never received by the recipients AND they are no where to be found on my computer (would usually be in my SENT box). They disappeared. In one case -- not a bad thing. I sent an angry email and now I'm glad it wasn't received.
2. A huge contract I had coming up in June was cancelled -- just all of a sudden. It devastated me. They blamed it on "the economy" .. e.g. not enough registrants for this conference. And, interestingly, they had never signed my contract. As a speaker, I send a contract and insist on 1/2 down on my fee in advance. I was slack about it ... knew they were doing something new and innovative on a shoestring... so... I'm out.
3. My son thought he had a really good "gig" lined up and it just fell apart.

These are examples of how Mercury in Retrograde works. Expect the unexpected. It makes me sort of want to do nothing, withdraw, be fearful, but I know those strategies won't work.

So, what do you do? Well, with my thinking cap on, using my sense of humor and my best coaching skills, here are a few thoughts:
1. Use the time to regroup -- take time daily to rethink where you are, where you want to be and what you think some good steps might be --- BUT DON'T DO ANYTHING (until Mercury is out of Retrograde -- on June 19th) * By the way, the next retrograde is in September .... so DO things between June 19th and September 24th.
2. As you're regrouping -- do it in fun places -- walk outside, go to a park, ride a bicycle, have a glass of wine in a trendy bar and enjoy the "scenery."
3. Whenever anyone mentions the state of the economy -- thank them for sharing but DON'T BUY INTO IT. You don't want to focus your thinking on the negative thoughts of the economy ..... it doesn't have to effect you or be true at all if we keep our thoughts positive.
4. Spend time with friends and family ... having FUN. Give yourself some breaks and DON"T PUSH yourself too hard. Relax

So, life comes at you fast. You feel like you can't control it BUT, you CAN control your reaction to it.
Have a wonderful weekend.

Ann