When the plan falls apart, what do you do next? We share what it looks like to hold steady in the unknown—after a property sale collapses, travel plans change, and the future feels wide open and uncertain. This is an honest conversation about trust, timing, and continuing forward anyway.

Sometimes life doesn’t ask for certainty—it asks for presence.

In this episode of Kerouacs Cruising, we open up about a season of sudden change: a property sale falling through, financial uncertainty, canceled plans, and the emotional weight of letting go of what we thought was “next.” After spending two months in Idaho with family, we begin the journey back toward Arizona—recalibrating, regrouping, and learning how to stay grounded when the future is unclear.

We talk about:

• Living moment by moment when long-term plans dissolve
• The emotional impact of putting dreams on pause
• Balancing family, travel, finances, and personal identity
• Lessons from mindfulness practice and slowing down
• Why the “perfect time” rarely arrives
• Trusting that life can still unfold—even without answers
• Choosing progress over paralysis in the messy middle

This episode was recorded while camped near Paiute State Park, a quiet and beautiful place that reminded us how much clarity can come from simply being present.

If you’re feeling stuck between what was and what’s next, this conversation is for you.

💻 Watch this episode on YouTube: @KerouacsCruising

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📧 Email: Join@KerouacsCruising.com

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💚🩷💚🩷 Thank you for being here — your presence means everything.

A quick recap of the last year and optimism for the year ahead.

See you next year!

If you’re heading into family gatherings with an inner critic (or a loud uncle), this one’s for you! Your inner critic doesn’t have to drive your life. In this powerful conversation, therapist and hypnotherapist Dr. Margaret Cochran shares a simple “bus” mindfulness tool to name the loud voice in your head, stop arguing with it, and keep moving toward your goals—without toxic positivity.

In this episode of Kerouacs Cruising, we talk about the inner critic, healing old wounds, and why “words create realities.” Dr. Cochran breaks down a mindfulness practice you’ll remember forever: you’re the driver of the bus, and your thoughts are passengers—including the ones that shout fear, shame, and “you didn’t do it right.”

We also explore:

• Why fighting the inner critic drains your energy (and stalls your momentum)
• How to name the voice and keep driving anyway
• The “hole in the sidewalk” pattern—and the steps to finally choose a new road
• Cognitive distortions, narcissistic family systems, and why kids internalize blame
• A simple “three questions” reset when you’re spiraling
• A 28–30 day gratitude practice that can shift your brain over time
• Boundaries at family gatherings: limits, exit plans, and not taking the bait
• A grounding meditation: Embracing the Golden Light
• Manifestation vs. “toxic positivity”: you can’t clean the kitchen if you won’t see the dirt
• The question that cuts through fear: What would I do if I weren’t afraid?

Connect with Dr. Margaret Cochran:

Website: DrCochran.com

More from us:

Blog + episode resources: kerouacscruising.com

Email: join@kerouacscruising.com

Follow: @kerouacscruising (IG/FB)