When Life Knocks You Down: Progress, Not Perfection
When Plans Fail
Ever had one of those weeks when life just beats the crap out of you? This past week didn’t go at all how I planned.
My sweet pup Finley recently went blind — and it happened so fast. Within a single week, right after we returned from vacation, he had lost sight in both eyes. We rushed him to a vision specialist, hoping cataract surgery would fix everything and life would return to normal. But life had other plans…
His left eye had deteriorated so badly, and he was in such pain, that we had to make the heart-wrenching decision to have it removed. His recovery meant long, quiet days of us curled up in bed together. I cherished the extra snuggles and lazy moments with him— but my carefully mapped workout schedule? Out the window. My high-protein meal prep? Replaced by pizza delivery and whatever I could grab to stuff in my mouth.
The old me would’ve panicked. I used to think if I missed a workout, I needed to double up the next day so I could stay on track. I’d beat myself up for slipping, and the guilt would make it even harder to start again.
But here’s what I’ve learned at 52: It’s not about PERFECTION. It’s about PROGRESS.
Consistency over time is what really changes us — not one perfect (or imperfect) week.
Lesson – Grace > Guilt
Life is messy. Things come up — surgeries, stress, sick kids (or fur babies), holidays, bad work days.
Missing a workout or ordering takeout does not ERASE your progress.
Finley has been so brave through this whole recovery. Watching him adapt — even when he was uncomfortable and unsure — reminded me that sometimes strength isn’t about pushing harder, it’s about letting yourself heal. That perspective shifted how I thought about my own week, and it’s why I gave myself permission to rest, reset, and lean on the little tools that keep me grounded.
The trick? Give yourself grace. Just pick up where you left off when you can. No punishment, no “catch-up” workouts, no shame spirals. Just steady, imperfect progress.
How I Cared for Myself Anyway
Even though my regular fitness and meal plan were sidelined, I still found small ways to take care of myself.
1. Yoga Bolster and Eye Mask for Rest & Recovery
I spent a lot of time in bed with Finley, but I still pulled out my trusty yoga bolster. Sometimes I’d lie back on it for a gentle chest opener to relieve back pressure. Other times, I’d prop my legs on it just to ease tension. I’d slip on my lavender-scented eye mask — warmed in the microwave — and turn on calming ocean sounds to relax us both.
And yes, some days we just leaned against it together, binge-watching Blacklist. It reminded me that caring for myself can be as simple as supported rest.
2. Magnesium for Sleep & Brain Fog
Stress and disrupted routines can really mess with my sleep and focus. I find myself asking, “Where are my keys?” or “What did I walk into this room for?” more often than I’d like during menopause.
Magnesium glycinate has become a nightly ritual for me, and it kept me grounded this week. It truly relieves my muscle and joint pain and helps me keep my mind clear and sleep like a baby. I take it about an hour before bed, and it gently signals my body to relax so I can get the rest I need — even when everything else feels off. It even seems to calm my hot flashes, which is a blessing on restless nights.
3. Protein Powder for Easy Wins
Nutrition definitely wasn’t perfect this week. I didn’t have time for meal prep, and I’m not ashamed to say we ordered pizza more than once.
But instead of stressing, I kept it simple: one daily protein smoothie. That quick drink gave me 24 grams of protein, even on pizza nights. It was my little win — proof that I was still showing up for myself. And the best part? It tastes like dessert.
Here’s my go-to brand, with ingredients I actually feel good about:
What Really Matters
This week reminded me that the journey isn’t about flawless routines. It’s not about never missing a workout or eating perfectly. It’s about building habits that support you — and LAST a lifetime — even when life gets messy
Progress will ALWAYS beat perfection.
So if your plans get derailed, give yourself grace. Rest when you need to. Nourish in small ways. And when you’re ready, simply pick back up where you left off. Zero Guilt.
These little tools — my bolster, eye mask, magnesium, and protein powder — kept me grounded. If you’d like to try them yourself, you can find them here in my Sassy Survival Kit. 💖
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Stay Strong, Stay Sassy,
💖 Melody
