04/03/2026
Well, we didn’t expect this,.. plot twist!
Right now, I’m in Sri Lanka, on the last 2 days of our travels (which have been amazing) having been told that due to the Middle East conflict, that our flight home tomorrow will not be happening ‘until further notice’. What does that even mean?!
Reading the news and hearing others in the hotel, it’s easy to spin out and panic, feeling that the whole world has ground to a halt and wondering if you’ll make it back… how, when?
But the reality? We only ever see what we expose ourselves to. Flight trackers show movement across other air spaces, planes are still flying, but the process of returning is currently stopped from our route and for how long, who knows? It’s a huge amount of trust being invested in people who aren’t communicating what’s going on…. Hoping that they are working behind the scenes to get us all back, a big task when you’re used to being the one in control. Surrendering to what is, a very unfamiliar concept.
The lack of communication from tour operators is challenging as alternatives aren’t being provided yet, although I guess they aren’t sure either! So, perspective matters, even when “until further notice” doesn’t provide a tangible plan, action or insight.
It’s easy to get caught up in the stories around us, through social media sensationalism chasing clicks or the media trying to make things sound dramatic for views… which can make uncertainty feel bigger than it is. Stepping out of that and focusing on the here and now, in this moment is essential. And here and now, we are safe, in a beautiful country with a great view, each other, food and focusing on how we can return to work remotely, on Monday, with the resources we have available.
This is why I love Next Chapter, I feel grateful every day for the techniques we use and teach to stay grounded in unpredictable, ever-changing circumstances and the team I have around me.
Our programmes, Managing Me, Getting to Know Me, Healthy Relationships Hub, coaching, parenting support and therapeutic services focus on exactly this: managing your internal responses through periods of stress. Because ultimately, that’s all we can control.
Here’s how I’m staying grounded while navigating the unknown…
🙏 Focus on what we can control; access to Wi-Fi, internet, planning work for next week that can be done remotely, tasks, and small steps forward.
🙏 Build a daily routine; activities, new things to try or learn, walks, or small chores give the day purpose.
🙏 Intentional self-care, sleep, routine, movement, and balanced meals keep you steady.
🙏 Break issues and tasks into micro-steps… tiny wins matter.
🙏 Limit story overload, step back from news and social media that sensationalise events.
🙏Surround yourself by grounded and objective people with an ‘I can’ mindset
🙏 Connect intentionally, meaningful check-ins with people who lift you up.
🙏 Do one small creative thing, journaling, drawing, cooking, remind yourself life continues.
🙏 Look back on all lovely photos to keep us uplifted and positive!
🙏 Breathe through worry and uncertainty and use words to develop shared meaning with others, so you can work through any big worries or emotions
🙏 Tell the boyfriend ‘told you so’ when he joked about you packing for a month before we left!!!
🙏 Laugh at the absurd – sometimes the only control you truly have is your sense of humour.
Uncertainty will always be part of life. The power comes from the choices we make, how we show up, and the perspective we hold.
Asking yourself, “Who do I want to be in this situation?” can turn even small actions into meaningful control.
Whether I’ll still be as philosophical
next week if things haven’t change, is yet to be seen!!!
In the meantime, thanks to everyone back home for the support and patience whilst we navigate our way back.
Meanwhile, all other services continue as planned at Next Chapter, please contact your practitioner directly for any queries you have relating to support already being accessed and we’ll be in touch with anyone about my programmes Monday.
Claire 🙏
