“Instead of complaining that the rose bush is full of thorns, be happy the thorn bush has roses.” -Proverb
I once read that people who journal to identify lessons from painful situations generally move on more quickly and easily than people who write merely to vent their emotions.
In discovering opportunities for growth, we empower ourselves to see whatever we’ve been through as something that can be ultimately beneficial, even if it’s tremendously uncomfortable in the short-term.
It’s not always easy to do that, particularly because there are so many things that happen that we may never understand—and plenty of events that seem downright unfair.
Why do some people retain their health despite poor choices, while others wake up seriously ill one day with no reason or warning? Why do some people enjoy great fortune without having to expel much effort, while others struggle all their lives without ever enjoying rewards or stability?
When you look at the world through this lens, it’s easy to be bitter. We want there to be order—to know that if we’re good, good things will happen, and bad things won’t. But that’s just not a guarantee.
What is a guarantee is that we can always decide how to interpret what we see.
Over the past two years, countless readers have submitted posts for this site, many of them sharing stories about overcoming sickness and loss, among other personal challenges.
There’s nothing as inspiring as seeing the world through the eyes of someone who is determined to see something good.
After a blood vessel ruptured in Brian Webb’s brain, he couldn’t walk for months—but after running his first marathon he realized his injury taught him to appreciate life.
Brandy Harris renamed her Crohn’s Disease “Crohn’s Teacher,” and uses her feelings about her symptoms as fuel for writing and sketching.
Alexandra Heather Foss decided that there’s beauty in her scars—that her past struggles contributed to the strong, wise woman she is today.
Life is always going to contain a little darkness, but we get to decide whether or not we recognize and appreciate the light.
Photo by PrescottFoland
About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
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Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 
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Thank you!
I was having a day from hell but this reminded me of the many times I laughed and smiled today which brought light to how amazing my day truly was. Exactly what I needed, thank you!
You are most welcome!
You’re welcome Marlene. I’m glad you laughed and smiled a lot today! My day started off a little overwhelming, but there have been a lot of little joys, as well. Happy day. =)
It is very easy for all of us to mourn about our losses and defeats and failures The really enlightened brings more out by learning from these negative experiences. The secret to living in the moment is to see good despite all circumstances. When we can focus on the good, the energy of growth follows.
I’m currently in a state of self pity. It’s been a year from now that I feel I’m worthless and unlucky. I encountered problems I did not imagined I would be struggling. I’m totally broken inside and out this time. I’m afraid to make a move myself because I worry what if I can’t stand my decisions and worst I don’t know what path to take. I’m living in shadows. Reading this is lije a breath of fresh air. :'(