The Silver Lining is the Gold

Life rarely goes as planned. But disappointment can often lead to something even better.

Portugal sparked a dream two years ago. I envisioned creating a wellness hub with saunas, cold plunges, connection.

This business would weave so much of my journey together (I spent much of my career in the health and wellness industry before becoming a coach).

I found partners who shared the idea, but a tight real estate market slowed us—no spaces worked. Momentum fizzled.

We kept searching for a year. I pushed forward, tied to promises I’d made. It felt heavy, not alive.

Then a location popped up last December, but my heart wasn’t in it— I sensed our vision for concept was diverging so I was going to step back and just be an investor.

Another partner, who was going to manage the business also wasn’t feeling it and stepped out. Relief washed over me and we decided to unwind the business partnership.

At first, I didn’t understand how something that I originally felt so passionate and put so much energy into could just fizzle out like that.

Tania asked what I really wanted. “Sauna, high quality family time and a community space,” I said. Why not start there?

So I got a wood-fired barrel sauna for our backyard. Tending the fire’s a ritual—logs crackle, warmth grows. Family and friends join me 3-4 times a week.

We sweat, we plunge, we connect and laugh. A community space is forming right in my backyard. This was the essence of what I really wanted when I first had that idea two years ago.

I realize now that a business would’ve meant a different kind of sweating with a lot less time for connection.

When life closes a door, we can stare, feeling stuck, trying to figure out why that happened. Turn around, new doors beckon.

What door is opening for you?