The Law of Unfortunate Timing

You know that feeling, right? The one where everything seems to be going along just fine, and then, all at once, the universe decides to test you. For me, it feels like this week is a masterclass in cosmic irony.

My sweet little [almost] six-month-old has surgery scheduled for Tuesday. As if the anxiety around that wasn't enough, our AC decided to call it quits yesterday. In the middle of July. And because the universe apparently has a punchline for every joke, I got the news that my car needs new tires.

Why does it seem like things always pile on at once?

It's a phenomenon I've come to call the Law of Unfortunate Timing. It's not just an illusion; there's a reason these things feel so concentrated.

You're Already on High Alert

When you're already in a stressful situation, like preparing for a baby's surgery, your mind is on high alert. You’re already a bit stretched thin, emotionally and mentally. So, when an unexpected problem pops up—like a broken AC or a flat tire—it doesn’t feel like just a regular hiccup. It feels like a full-blown crisis because your capacity to handle more is already diminished. The new problems don't just add to your stress; they magnify it.

One Stressor Exposes Another

Sometimes, one problem actually reveals another. Think about it: a medical appointment for your baby might mean you're driving the car more, which could be how you first notice the tires are worn. A stressful week could make you more aware of the little comforts you’re missing, like a cool house. Our busy lives and schedules often mask underlying issues until a major event forces us to slow down and confront them. The pile-up isn't always random; sometimes, the different pieces are connected, even if it feels like pure bad luck.

What to Do When the Piles Get High

So, what do you do when you’re standing in the middle of this mess? Here’s what I’m trying to remember right now:

• Breathe First, Act Second: Before you start Googling "AC repair near me" or calling tire shops, take a moment. Sit down, close your eyes, and just breathe. Acknowledge that this is hard. Let yourself feel the frustration, then let it go. You don’t have to solve everything in the first five minutes.

• Prioritize Ruthlessly: Not every fire needs to be put out at the same time. The baby's surgery is the most important thing. The AC is a close second for comfort. The tires? Maybe they can wait a few days if you can get rides or use ridesharing. Focus your energy on what absolutely must be done first.

• Ask for Help: Now is not the time to be a superhero. Call a friend, a partner, or a family member. Ask them to watch the baby so you can make a phone call or run an errand. Let someone bring you dinner. When things are piling up, the best thing you can do is delegate.

Right now, my to-do list is a disaster, but I'm trying to remember that this isn't my normal. It's a temporary storm. And just like any storm, it will pass. I'll get the AC fixed, the tires replaced, and most importantly, we will get through this surgery.

What's a time you felt like everything was piling on at once? Share your story in the comments below!