Realizing That Life is Working for You

“Life is straightforward. Everything occurs for you, rather than to you. Events unfold at precisely the right moment—neither too early nor too late. You may not appreciate it… but it’s simpler if you do.” - Byron Katie

The truth is, the world is not working against you; it’s working in your favor. What you might perceive as negative events can actually be opportunities that guide you toward your destiny, and you have the choice to adopt this perspective.

As Ryan Holiday points out, “There is no good or bad without us; only perception exists. There is the event itself and the narrative we construct about its significance.”

C.S. Lewis also remarked, “Adversities often prepare ordinary individuals for extraordinary destinies.”

Consider the life of Tony Robbins, who faced significant challenges growing up, including a troubled home environment with a mother battling addiction and abuse. Despite these hardships, he transformed his suffering into a motivation to help others. Tony reflects, “If my mother had been the ideal parent I desired, I wouldn’t possess the same drive or hunger. My hardships shaped my empathy for others’ struggles.”

He reframed his experiences, viewing his suffering not as a burden but as a catalyst for growth. While this shift in perspective is not effortless, it illustrates how your darkest moments can pave the way to your greatest achievements if you choose to perceive them differently.

As Tony Robbins wisely states, “Your decisions, not your circumstances, shape your destiny.”

A Breathing Exercise to Elevate Your Mindset

“Breathing is a form of free medicine, and practicing breath control daily promotes optimal health and longevity.” - Mark Divine

Breathing is so fundamental and instinctual that it often goes unnoticed. However, I’d like to share a potent breathing, meditation, and visualization exercise that can transform your state of mind. I learned this technique from Mark Divine’s book, Unbeatable Mind:

Picture your skull as a fishbowl, with your thoughts resembling the cloudy water inside. Each deep inhale and exhale acts as a filter, clearing the murky water from your mind. Visualize that with every breath, your mental clarity improves.

By the tenth breath, your mind is mostly clear; after twenty breaths, it sparkles like a pristine spring. In this moment of clarity, you may find yourself in a ‘no mind’ state, free from the clutter of thought.

Try to maintain this clarity for as long as possible. If your mind begins to wander, simply return to your breathing and recommit to cleansing your thoughts.

This simple practice can help you escape negative thinking, liberating you from being trapped in your own mind and allowing you to function at a higher level. As Darren Hardy aptly notes, “If left unchecked, your mind will dwell on the negative, anxious, and fearful.”

In Conclusion

Remember, the world is always working in your favor. By taking a moment to clear your mind and gain a broader perspective, you can shift into a mindset that recognizes this truth. Ultimately, life is less about the events that happen to you and more about your reactions to them. As Lou Holtz put it, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond.”

Watch Pastor Rick Warren in "Finding the Strength to Keep Going When I'm Emotionally Worn Out," and gain insights on maintaining resilience during tough times.