Life is amazing, but sometimes it’s hard to acknowledge because of all the sticky situations and straight-up terrible nonsense that happens in our lives.

Let me guess: Right when you FINALLY think something is going great, something bad happens again. When does it end, right? Why you? Why can’t you just be NORMAL like “everybody else”? How come it seems like some people have no problems at all, and you’re stuck under a constant avalanche?

The truth? I am not going to tell you things will get better over night. I am not going to tell you that terrible circumstances you obviously don’t deserve are not going to come your way. Bad things will happen; I can practically guarantee it. But, sometimes these things are hidden blessings!

What I will tell you, however, is that there are ways to live above these unforeseen circumstances. You can make it through the unexpected situations; you can come out stronger than ever and better equipped for the storms that will inevitably come your way in the future.

If you have been trying to make the same thing work out, and time and time and time again, it fails, perhaps you need to try something new. I’m not saying give up on your long-term dreams; however, sometimes things don’t work out because they’re not supposed to.

Quit trying to fix the air conditioner with some bubble gum and sticky tack. Change your strategy. Stop trying to force the situation with the wrong tactics. There is a reason it isn’t working out.

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.
― Vivian Greene

Life is under no obligation to give you exactly what you expect. Whatever it is you’re seeking will rarely ever come in the form you’re expecting. Don’t miss the silver lining because you were expecting gold.

You must see and accept things as they are instead of as you hoped, wished, or expected them to be. Just because it didn’t turn out like you had envisioned, doesn’t mean it isn’t exactly what you need to get to where you ultimately want to go.

“See the positive side, the potential, and make an effort.”
– Dalai Lama

I still find it’s easy to fall prey to negative thinking. Having negative thoughts play out like a movie can only bring you pain, something that I’ve experienced many times throughout my life.

Negative thoughts drain you of energy and keep you from being in the present moment. The more you give in to your negative thoughts, the stronger they become. I like the imagery of a small ball rolling along the ground, and as it rolls, it becomes bigger and faster.

Have you done the following and seen the Hidden blessings that are right in front of you EVERY DAY?

• If you have struggled with an unchangeable defect or a menacing weakness, and felt God’s power in the midst of it, you understand the hidden blessing of God’s overcoming strength being made perfect through you.
• If you’ve come near to losing someone who is precious to you, you can thank God for His mercy, for second chances and the gift of time. You will treasure each day and each memory—and you will love more deeply.
• If you’ve ever observed the awesome handiwork of God in nature and basked in the beauty and wonder of His creation, you cannot help but praise Him profusely.
• If you have ever asked God for something, and received God’s “No,” but then He answered with something far better than you could ever have hoped or imagined, then you can thank God that He works all things out for your good—and that His ways are not your ways.

Every little part of the journey is beautiful, no matter how precious or even how unfortunate. You can live above and beyond any circumstances because you are strong; you have willpower, and you are well worth it! But you also have to take in the BLESSINGS along the way!