The Move That Tested My Patience

This week is usually a recipe week, but honestly, I’ve had something else on my mind. I hope that’s okay with you all.

Last week, my husband and I finally moved to Brooklyn after a long and drawn-out period of waiting to be accepted. The day was finally here, and I would be reunited with my belongings that had been in storage for nine months. The night before, being the NLP coach that I am, I envisioned what the day would look like: a seamless storage pick-up, unpacking and organizing, and ending the day with a meal at our favorite local restaurant.

Sounds magical, right?

The morning came, and instead of a seamless storage pickup, I got mice. I was upset. I could feel my mind racing with thoughts like, “There goes everything we own,” “We’ll have to throw it all out,” “That’s so much money,” “I’m such a bad packer,” “This is all my fault.” My heart began to beat faster, and my body grew tense. I thought it was the end of the world.

It was one of those moments when time slowed, and I was paralyzed with anxiety, guilt, and fear. The old Erika would have lit the people at the front desk of the storage facility on fire, looked for someone to blame, cried, and probably spoken very curtly to her husband. But instead, I closed my eyes, did a round of 4-7-8 breathing, and began to rewrite my inner thoughts. I started to repeat: “This isn’t yours or anyone’s fault. Sometimes these things happen in a big city.” “This is no reflection on you.” “Together, you and your husband will figure this out.” “It will all be okay.”

As I began to change the voice in my head, my body relaxed, and my brain shifted from “This is hopeless” to “There are so many things I can do to make this situation better.”

I called my husband, we had a good laugh, and together we formulated a plan of action.

I calmly explained the problem to the facility and requested permission to leave behind any items that were too damaged to take, as well as a process for filing a complaint with the manager. He bought enough cleaning supplies to scrub a seven-story house, and together we made a master plan to inspect and clean everything. And now, a week later, we are finally semi-moved in.

Through this experience, I was reminded of a truth I often share with my clients:

We don’t always get to control what happens to us, but we do get to control how we respond.

Life will always bring surprises — whether it’s mice in your storage unit, a health setback, or a curveball at work. The real power lies in pausing, breathing, and shifting from panic to possibility.

That day could have ended in tears, frustration, and blame. Instead, it became a moment of partnership with my husband, resourcefulness, and resilience. By choosing calm over chaos, we not only got through it — we grew through it.

So the next time life throws you something unexpected, try pausing for a round of 4-7-8 breathing and remind yourself: “This isn’t the end of the world. I have the power to choose how I respond.” You may be surprised by how quickly your perspective — and your energy — can shift.

Services I offer:

• Reiki, 30 & 60 minutes

• Health Coaching Sessions using my NLP and Nursing background

• Essential oil rollers

Mark your calendar — some upcoming events:

• IN PERSON, Brooklyn, NY: 
  F*ck the hustle: Discover the Freedom to Live & Lead Differently
  👉️ Learn how to pursue ambition without sacrificing well-being

  Date: Saturday, October 11th

  Time: 10 am- 12 pm EST

  Location: Life Wellness Center
  376 Tompkins Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11216

  https://lifewellnesscenter.as.me/schedule/ef954a8d/?appointmentTypeIds[]=82568689