Time to recover after 'worst week ever'

DEAR AMY: I have had an especially horrible week. I received a low performance appraisal at work, which blindsided me because I'm extremely dedicated to this job. The same day, I logged on to Facebook to see that my boyfriend is in a relationship with someone else. After more than a decade together, this is how he voices his desire to "see other people." Then, one of my best friends declared she doesn't want to be friends with me anymore because I'm friendly with a woman she dislikes. I'm not completely surprised -- I was one of her few remaining friends -- but I am hurt. Oh, and I'm also turning 30. It's supposed to be a huge milestone, but what do I have to celebrate? I'm a wreck! How do I even begin to get my life together?

-- Worst Week Ever

DEAR WORST WEEK: No question about it: Any one of the items on your "worst week" list could take down a rhino. This is "bad things happen in threes" to the max.

I prescribe giving yourself some time to self-medicate with soft-serve ice cream while binge watching "The Mindy Project." After you crawl out from under the covers, you should take another look at the one thing you can do something about: your job situation. It's important to follow up on this job appraisal. Stay calm and focus on discovering what things you can do differently. A second look at your evaluation may yield information that you didn't understand fully at the time because you were hyperventilating too much. A mentor at work could help you strategize on how to turn things around.

Write yourself a mission statement. Turning 30 is the perfect time to take a long and broad look at your future. What are your larger dreams and goals? What is your vision? What is the big picture? Every successful person has a "worst week" story, and many look back on these tough times as important turning points. Your worst week is in the past. What you choose to do next is the only important thing.