This Wasn’t the Weekend I Planned—But Maybe the One I Needed
That feeling when life suddenly shakes you out of autopilot
As I sit here this Sunday morning with my sweet husband frothing milk for my latte, I'm struck by how sometimes the most jarring experiences become our greatest teachers. This weekend didn't go as planned—not even close—but maybe that's exactly what I needed.
You know that feeling when life suddenly shakes you out of autopilot? When something so unexpected happens that it forces you to see your everyday world with fresh eyes? That's exactly what happened to me, and I want to share it with you because I think we all need these wake-up calls more than we realize.
👇 In today's email:
This week's inspiration: This Wasn’t the Weekend I Planned—But Maybe the One I Needed
Latest blog post: Medical Gaslighting vs Chatbots: Why You Deserve Better
What I'm listening to: If You've Never Taken 20g of Creatine, Watch THIS
This Wasn’t the Weekend I Planned—But Maybe the One I Needed
I wonder if we need sudden, jarring experiences to shock us out of the daze of our day-to-day lives. This thought occurred to me after spending what I can only describe as a night in a crack den—not of my own volition, I assure you.
The Night Everything Went Wrong
My Chicago hotel reservation mysteriously vanished through a third-party booking site, and with every other room in the city booked, I found myself in what was clearly the only available accommodation for a reason. Between hallway screaming and, shall we say, very vocal neighbors, sleep was minimal. It's still unclear whether the airport floor would have been preferable (probably safer).
The Eject Button Reality
As I sped through TSA PreCheck the next morning—rescued by Uber and a jet home—I realized something profound: I had an eject button. Not everyone does. So many people living lives much harder than mine don't have the luxury of escaping difficult circumstances with a flight home.
Rather than fixating on the injustice of my lost reservation, I chose to see this as an opportunity to rethink my day-to-day perspective.
Coming Home to Gratitude
Sunday morning brought me home to Rhode Island—sea breeze wafting through the yard, 40 lavender plants still in bloom, and my meticulously clean black lab, Gracie, waiting for me. Everyone else was out, so Gracie and I lay down in the shade of a tree and fell asleep together.
I know everyone talks about gratitude, but this morning I feel it in my bones. The sound of milk frothing, the warmth of home, the simple luxury of safety—these aren't just nice things, they're profound gifts.
Why We Need These Jolts
Sometimes our comfortable routines can lull us into taking our blessings for granted. These unexpected disruptions—whether it's a terrible hotel experience, a health scare, or any life curveball—can serve as powerful reminders of what truly matters.
They wake us up to:
The privilege of safety and comfort
The value of our support systems
The importance of perspective in how we process challenges
The abundance that surrounds us daily
Your Invitation to Awareness
You don't need to spend a night in questionable accommodations to practice this kind of awareness. Take a moment today to notice what you might be taking for granted. The clean water from your tap, the roof over your head, the people who care about you—these are the foundations of a rich life.
Remember, it's not about toxic positivity or pretending everything is perfect. It's about developing the ability to find meaning and gratitude even in our most challenging moments. Because when we can do that, we become more resilient, more present, and ultimately more alive.
Yes, you can find the gift in life's unexpected jolts!
Latest blog post
Medical Gaslighting vs Chatbots: Why You Deserve Better
After posting a video on TikTok and Instagram about not using ChatGPT as your doctor, I was surprised by the passionate responses—especially from younger viewers who shared how they turn to AI because their real doctors don't listen or they simply can't access care.
This isn't a great state of affairs, but it sparked an important conversation. If you're feeling unheard by the medical system, you're not alone, and you deserve so much better.
In this post, I explore:
Why medical gaslighting is so common for women
How to use AI tools safely as research companions (not doctors)
Strategies for advocating for yourself in medical settings
When to seek second opinions and trust your instincts
The goal isn't to replace professional medical care, but to empower you with tools for better health conversations. You deserve to be heard, believed, and treated with respect.
Your health is your story to write, and you have every right to be the informed, empowered author of that narrative.
What I'm listening to
Creatine Expert Reveals Why 5g Isn't Enough
I've been consistently taking about 5g of creatine daily, mixing it into Greek yogurt with a little French jam to mask the texture. Most people think creatine is just for building muscle mass, but emerging research suggests it may offer significant benefits for brain health and even bone aging.
This video dives deep into the science behind higher-dose creatine protocols and their potential cognitive benefits. As women navigating perimenopause and menopause, we're always looking for evidence-based ways to support our changing bodies and minds.
What fascinates me about creatine research is how it challenges our assumptions about supplements. Sometimes the most unassuming nutrients have the most surprising applications. It's a reminder that optimal health often comes from understanding the fundamentals deeply rather than chasing the latest trends.
Sometimes the weekends that don't go as planned are exactly the ones our souls needed. Here's to finding gratitude in the unexpected and wisdom in the uncomfortable.
I'm cheering for you, always.
Dr. Catherine 🥰
Dr. Catherine Wellness
Looking to book a session in my Newport Studio? If you are new to my practice, book a Free Consult or if you know what you want, reserve your spot for a One-on-One experience.
The studio address: 10 Deblois Street, Newport, RI 02840
© 2025 Hey Dr. Catherine. This content offers general wellness information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about your health. The information and experiences shared reflect the clinical practice and personal perspective of Dr. Catherine Price and are not intended to replace individualized care.