Everything Happens For A Reason

From our daily routines to big events such as getting married, a new job or a well deserved vacation, we get fixed in our expectations. When our ‘perfect’ plans go awry as they tend to do in life, it is easy to get negative, frustrated and doubtful. But when things don’t go as you think they should or as you wanted them to, it is a fantastic opportunity to grow and learn. Here are some ways to look at why:

1. It may be a reflection of your thoughts and beliefs:

Imagine that Peter worked to the bone for months on end and finally got to go on a vacation. For weeks prior he was visioning himself relaxing on the beach, playing with the kids, and so on. The vacation came and it was a disaster … from food poisoning to bad service to rainy weather. What happened? Perhaps Peter holds a belief deep inside that unless he is working and productive, he is not worthy. Or maybe he had a bad experience on his last trip and is still holding onto the past. This ‘disaster’ is great opportunity for him to look inside and start to change his patterning.

2. There may be a better route for you:

When I was 18, I was desperate to be a dancer but got rejected from the only degree dance program in Ontario because my grades were 2% below the cut off. Although I was devastated at the time, it was truly a blessing. A month later I went and trained full time in a professional dance company, 6 hours a day. Within a week, I snapped a ligament in my ankle and damaged my knee; within a month the director heard me singing to myself and cast me to sing in the show; within 2 months, I was accepted into a post secondary diploma program for… singing, not dancing. Since I never had a lesson in my life, it was a big sign. When I applied for university again, I got into the music program on talent despite my grades still being too low. My big rejection forced me onto the path I am still on today… 14 years later. So when things don’t go your way, there may be something far greater for you. Have faith!

3. It is not the right timing:

Let’s say you and your partner have been trying to get pregnant for over 2 years. Suddenly, a parent gets sick forcing all your energy towards helping them through their crisis. Can you imagine how difficult that would be if you have a small baby? Or maybe there was something you had to learn – perhaps by tending to the sick parent, you gained greater insight and compassion… tools that would make you a better parent when the timing was right.

4. We don’t always know why:

Sometimes when we don’t know why something happens, we have to come to a place of trust – have the faith that whatever the outcome is in our best and highest good. For example: Let’s say Donna was on her way to an important interview for her ideal job – an opportunity she had worked towards for over 10 years. While driving, she realized she forgot her portfolio at home. She drove back home, got what she needed and drove off to her interview. Luck had it that she encountered lots of traffic and arrived 45 minutes late. The potential boss refused to see her and she lost her ‘dream’ job. Although it seems like a disaster, it may have been a blessing. For all we know, if Donna would have had her portfolio and continued to drive, she would have got into a life threatening accident or maybe she would have got the job but ended up with a bully as a boss. We really don’t know but ultimately, no matter what happens in our life, we must trust that it is in our best and highest good.

When things don’t go as planned, look inside and start asking questions: Is there a belief or negativity within me that has blocked my good? Is there something I need to learn from this so I can have success next time? If all seems clear, then perhaps there is a better route for you or the timing needs to be right. Ultimately, we must always know that everything happens for a reason, so have faith that all will unfold as it needs to.