Your Best Decisions Were Made in the Rearview Mirror

Some of the best decisions you’ve ever made… didn’t feel big at the time.

In this episode of Unexpected Advice, Esther sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist, ordained minister, and grief counselor Megan Malick to explore why your best decisions were made in the rearview mirror.

From choosing sobriety one day at a time to navigating the profound loss of both parents in quick succession, Megan shares how hindsight reveals resilience, strength, and growth we often miss in the moment. Rather than focusing on long-term “prize goals,” she encourages us to embrace process goals — doing the next right thing and allowing identity to evolve naturally over time.

This conversation explores:

• Why reflection builds emotional maturity
• How to rewire a brain that defaults to negativity
• The role of grief in reshaping identity
• The power of small, steady decisions
• And why you shouldn’t drive staring into the rearview mirror — but you should glance back

If you’ve ever questioned a decision, felt stuck in regret, or wondered whether you’re growing fast enough, this episode offers a grounded reminder: you’ve survived 100% of your days. There is wisdom in your past.

Connect with Megan Malick

Website:
 https://a-new-path.com/

Substack:
 https://meganmalick.substack.com/

Facebook:
 https://www.facebook.com/revmeganmalick

Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/meganmmalick/

LinkedIn:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/revmeganmalick/

Her book on navigating grief (available on Amazon):
 https://a.co/d/fsN9b6J

You can learn more about Unexpected Advice by visiting https://insightfullycurious.com/unexpected-advice-podcast