When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened to us.
-Helen Keller
I think Helen Keller was onto something here.
Keller embodied what it meant to overcome hardships as the first deaf-blind person to earn a bachelor’s degree in 1904. She persevered and became an American icon who continues to inspire people to push past closed doors in order to succeed.
What was her secret? Why is it so hard for us to let go of the hurt that paralyzes us from action?
There is no one simple answer. Each of us has a unique path laid out before us with its own set of challenges and opportunities.
Some of us look to the problems of our unhealthy, overly-competitive global society that forces us to constantly compare ourselves to the millions of others out there who seemingly have their shit together.
Others point the finger inwards and tear themselves apart in an effort to find an answer to “why?”, which only pulls them further away from their purpose in life.
The fact is that once we feel a door close on us, we tend to shut down completely. We forget that those trials are in reality, an opening for something greater.
I have seen more doors close on me of late, then I have in a long time. As always, the timing of everything sucks and I find myself making some tough decisions about what I need to do in the short run. Like I told a close friend the other day, it’s time I put my strong girl pants on.
But I remain grateful for it all. The tears, the uncertainty, the challenges, and the fears; all of it is a part of a greater story that lies behind another door which isn’t really shut closed. Walking through them is taking every ounce of strength I have, but that effort is part of what makes me human. I carry these experiences with me always, as a reminder of what I’m capable of in spite of the roadblocks put in my way.
How can I not be thankful for that reminder?
Tell me, what do you do when you feel doors close on you?
How do you remain optimistic in difficult situations?
What are you thankful for this week?
Here’s my gratitude journal below. Please feel free to share your own notes of gratitude below or on Facebook or Twitter!
Food4ThoughtNYC 
Wonderful post!
I’m thankful for:
my sisters,
being able to spend time with my mother (and share her between the sisters!),
my husband, who, though he doesn’t fully understand what I’m trying to create is finally behind me now
And yes, wam clothing so I can get out and play with my dog!!
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That all sounds wonderful! It’s great to hear how much support you are getting from your loved ones. Have fun with your dog and keep warm! My dog quickly loses steam when he sticks his little paws in the snow, lol. Thanks for stopping by- Happy Thursday! 🙂
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