"Everything happens for a reason," they say, with an air of inevitability, almost as if they were describing the law of gravity. This line often finds its way into discussions around unfortunate occurrences or unexpected roadblocks. On one hand, it serves as a soothing balm for the wounds life inflicts. On the other, it's a flimsy cloak of ambiguity that obscures the path of active decision-making and accountability.

Now, don't get me wrong. I appreciate the intent. The idea that our struggles are part of a grand plan can help us endure hardship. However, it's when this adage becomes a mantra for passivity, an excuse for inaction, that I find it problematic.

Life isn't a jigsaw puzzle waiting to reveal a beautiful picture once every piece of misfortune, missed opportunity, or failure falls into place. It's more like a game of chess, with its ebbs and flows, risks and rewards, where every move we make shapes the course of the game.

It’s true that we can’t control every aspect of life – illnesses strike, markets crash, relationships break. These are the 'random' happenstances. But what we can control, is how we react. Instead of donning the cloak of "everything happens for a reason," we can choose to play an active role in creating the life we desire.

We can learn from our mistakes, forge new paths from failures, turn loss into growth, and heartbreak into wisdom. Let's turn the narrative around. Instead of just letting things happen for a reason, why don’t we give things a reason to happen?

In the end, we're not just passive spectators in the theater of life. We're the playwrights, the directors, and the lead actors. So, next time life throws a curveball, take a swing at it, because while everything might happen for a reason, it's the reasons we create that truly shape our destiny.

#ThoughtfulThursday #RedefiningClichés #opportunity

Intelligent thoughts! We can only react to how we perceive things coupled with environment (upbringing) cos it stays in your mind hence affects your view towards life.. your mental state pays as much an important role as your Belief.. lastly to change this narrative, have 3 mentors "good, bad n ugly".