"Everything happens for a reason."

Let’s go back to a quote we all know and trust. But instead of just saying it, let’s think about what it really means when we believe it. That quote is “Everything happens for a reason.” 

The way I see it, life is a string of events. One opportunity, decision, or conversation leads to the next which leads to the next, and it’s only after you’ve gone so far and look back that you can see how it all went down. Oftentimes these reflections are triggered by positive events, and when you trace backwards you understand how negative moments were necessary guiding stars on your way to your final destination.

You usually think of “everything happening for a reason” when trying to understand why something bad happened. The quote helps you to be more mindful and curious about how that thing might be serving you or preparing your or teaching you for the future. While that’s hard and unnatural to do, because we very much are biased to optimize for short-term outcomes over delayed gratification, it gives negative events meaning. 

Rooted in all of this is a belief that at the end of the day, you’re going to get where you’re meant to go. Having faith in that process, and trusting that “everything happens for a reason” holds you accountable to seeing the things around you from a new perspective, which helps to motivate you to get back on track toward your dreams.