Isn’t it just amazing how some of the things that initially seem ”terrible” end up transforming in a way and giving us something positive in return?
Looking back on some of those things that were disappointing to me when they happened, in retrospect, I can now see that in one way or another they actually were in my best interest.
Now, don’t get me wrong, when things go wrong, it can feel terrible …
the relationship that ends, the job that gives you your walking papers, the wrong decision you made that costs you a fortune…
None of those things feel good.
Sometimes it honestly is hard to be able to look on a situation and see how it is or was for your highest good, especially when it is one that knocks you off your feet or feels like you are taking a step back.
But …
There really is always a reason why everything happens to us and just because we can’t see or understand why, doesn’t mean that a “why” doesn’t exist.
Sometimes our job is not to understand “why”, but rather to give things time so we can be open enough to see what will come to us from the “bad”.
The key is to be willing to search and look for the good because it may not be very easy to see. You have to take the time and look under all the “bad” with the right perspective.
However, if you can get to the point where you can do this you will always find something valuable.
Although you may have lost something, you were not left empty handed and what you were left with is actually something you were in need of.
Take a look at these 10 “bad” situations and the positive that they left behind.
10 terrible things that are actually good:
1.Trying to hold onto something with all your strength, but then still losing it … allows you to realize that sometimes you have to let go of things so that better things can come your way.
2. Losing a job that you “need” … gives you time to regroup, reset and find a job that you really “want”.
3. A relationship that ends and leaves you with a broken heart … gives you the ability to see you are 100% complete alone and frees you up for the relationship you really deserve.
4. Failing at anything … allows you to strengthen your resilience and gives you the lessons you need for your future success.
5. Destroying your laptop by spilling an entire venti latte on it and losing several months of work because you hadn’t backed up your laptop recently … reminds you about the importance of detachment and that sometimes the best thing you can do is start over (by the way, this is one I personally experienced last week … who would’ve thought a latte could destroy a computer?)
6. Missing out on an opportunity you should have taken because you were scared … sets you up to realize that not only is it okay, but sometimes you are meant to take chances when they come your way.
7. Working really hard at something and then experiencing a disappointing setback … allows you to take a closer look at what went wrong and figure out the best way forward.
8. Being told by someone that you will never accomplish what you are trying to do … makes you realize the importance of finding your strength within and that what really matters is your confidence and belief in your own ability.
9. Not having enough hours in the day to do everything you wanted … allows you to realize oftentimes less really is more and we are not meant to hurry through life.
10. Losing something you thought you couldn’t live without … allows you to realize your true strength and that if you have the right mindset and perspective, there is not much you can’t live without.
Live Today Better than Yesterday.
Sibyl,
This is great post and reveals that it’s all about our perspective. When I look back on opportunities that I that I missed, I realize that it was for the best and has led me to be at my current state. Sometimes we get so attached to things and outcomes we forget that this can lead to more suffering that satisfaction. When we are forced to let go of our excuses life really opens up.
I love this… and on the flip side, how many events I perceived to be ‘positive’ that had a negative experience attached to it or resulted from it.
With love…
Thanks Kirra:) So much wisdom in that statement you made. Thanks for sharing it here.
Hi Sibyl,
Good post and I certainly can relate to trying to find the silver lining when things don’t turn out the way you expected. Number 9 resonated with me, as I often feel I am short on time and there is more thing that I wanted to accomplish. Having a TO DO list helps me feel good about all that I did get done. Too bad about the computer, that’s a rough one.
Hi Cathy: Thanks for the comment and the condolences about my computer
It is what it is and was definitely a good lesson:) So glad that you liked #9 and that you can relate to finding the silver lining. I really do believe that is so important. Thanks again for the comment.
Hi Sibyl,
It has been my experience that the universe is constantly moulding and developing us for greater challenges ahead. To do so, it has to put us through “terrible” experiences so that we grow in wisdom and capacity. As Viktor Frankl put it, “What is to give light must endure burning.” Having said that, here are the thoughts that crossed my mind as I read through your list of 10 terrible things that are actually good.
4. Failure is the best teacher we can have even though its lessons are harsh. It reminds us of the need to be flexible and adaptable in our approach to reach our goals. If we are creative enough, we will achieve what we set out to do.
7. While setbacks may seem disappointing, they are really reminders that we have not yet developed sufficient capacity to attain our goals. Again we must vary our approach and mould our character to develop greater sufficiency. When we have attained the ability we need, success comes naturally.
Thank you for showing us how to live today better than yesterday!
Irving the Vizier
Hey Irving: Thank you for the comment and for stopping by. I really appreciated what you said about the universe constantly moulding and developing us for greater challenges. I think that is so true. I also loved your thoughts on point #4 and point #7. You shared some really great wisdom. Thank you for showing us how to live today better than yesterday:)
Hi Sibyl!
Your post title intrigued me. What a great title and what a great concept and what a great post!
I can especially relate to this one: Not having enough hours in the day to do everything you wanted … allows you to realize oftentimes less really is more and we are not meant to hurry through life.” I also think it requires us to prioritize our limited time so that we are focusing most of our attention on the things that matter most.
Thanks again for the great post, Sibyl!
Ken: Thanks for the comment and thanks for stopping by. What you said really is so true. We are not meant to hurry through life … there is so much about it that we need to pay attention to and learn from:) Thanks again for dropping by.
This was sooo great. Thanks!
So glad you liked it Ingrid:) Thanks for dropping by.