For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been battling the flu. Not glamorous. Not fun. And definitely not part of my plan. But as those who follow me know… I always try to find the positive in everything — even the things that knock me flat.
Somewhere between the coughing fits, herbal teas, and restless naps, I realised something important:
This flu felt a lot like my old personal development patterns.
And it showed me just how far I’ve come.
Table of Contents
When Life Throws Curveballs (Again… and Again)
Years ago, I was a master planner. Big goals. Big energy. Big intentions. And then — without fail — life would launch a giant curveball straight at my head.
Everything would fall apart. I’d dust myself off, get back up, promise myself this time will be different… And then repeat the same cycle. Sound familiar? Back then, I believed effort alone would save me.
But effort without strategy?
Without awareness?
Without breaking the pattern?
That’s what keeps people stuck for years. I learnt the hard way. And slowly, I began doing things differently.
Where the Flu Fits In
As strange as it sounds, the flu mirrored those old patterns in surprising ways.
#1 The Frustration of Having No Energy
Usually, I’m full of life — but this time, everything felt heavy and slow.
Just like those moments when you feel stuck, unmotivated, or unsure where to start.
#2 The Slow Recovery Phase
The weekend felt like a crash-and-rebuild system.
It made me think about times I’ve been knocked down in life and I got up again. Indeed, again and again.
#3 The Constant Indecision
“Should I walk?” “Should I rest?” “What does Google say?”
It echoed those lost moments where your mind flip-flops and nothing feels clear.
These parallels hit me harder than expected.
The Lesson: You Don’t Have to Repeat Old Patterns
This flu showed me something powerful:
The circumstances didn’t change — I did.
In the past, something like this would have thrown me right back into old behaviours.
- I simplified everything.
- I stayed positive — without pretending.
- I took small, considered actions.
- I stopped overthinking.
Instead of spiralling, I centred myself.
Instead of resisting, I listened.
Instead of “pushing through,” I allowed myself to reset.
And it made all the difference.
Curveballs Aren’t the Enemy, They Are An Invitation
Flu passes. Challenges pass. Curveballs eventually stop spinning. But here’s the magic:
Every curveball carries an opportunity, if you choose to catch it instead of letting it knock you out.
During those quiet flu moments, I read, learned, reflected, and grew even more. I strengthened the tools I use personally — and the ones I teach through The Leslie Link.
You can do the same.
If you want a small, uplifting boost this week, grab my 3 Positivity Habits — simple steps you can start today.
If You’re Feeling Stuck, Start Here
You don’t need perfect energy. You don’t need perfect clarity. You don’t need perfect timing. You need this:
- Keep calm
- Keep it simple
- Stay as positive as possible
- Plan with intention
- Take consistent action
Small steps break big patterns. Calm minds make better choices. And curveballs stop feeling like threats because you learn how to turn them into growth.
Your Challenge This Week
Ask yourself: “Where am I repeating a pattern that no longer serves me?” Then choose one small action to break that cycle.
Just one.
Your future self will thank you.
If you’d like support choosing that next small step, you can book a Check-In With Sally session. A calm space to get clear and move forward.
Sally Leslie is the founder of The Leslie Link. She speaks, runs workshops, and coaches leaders and senior professionals, helping them build the emotional intelligence, meditation practice, and resilience. She’s the author of Think Clearly. Lead Calmly. A Guide for Leaders Under Pressure. Based between Newcastle, UK and Mallorca, Spain. Sign up to her Calm Leadership newsletter.
