The unpredictability of life can present us with many challenges, including sad events that can turn our world upside down. However, how we choose to handle these sad things can have a profound impact on our wellbeing and future happiness.

It is natural to feel overwhelmed or bitter when faced with sad events, such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, the loss of a job, or a failed business venture. These events can shake us to our core, make us question our self-worth, and make us feel like victims. However, assigning blame to ourselves or dwelling on negative thoughts can only make things worse.

The key to handling sad things is to shift our perspective and focus on what we do have control over: our attitude, reaction, and mindset. Instead of blaming ourselves, we should assign the blame outside of ourselves and see the event as something that could have happened to anyone. This subtle shift can help us bounce back much quicker and prevent us from assigning our self-value based on the events in our lives.

Another powerful tool is to try and focus on what went right instead of what went wrong. Even in the darkest of times, there is always something to be grateful for. This can help give sad events meaning and allow us to learn from them.

Let’s explore some examples of sad events and how we can shift our perspective to find meaning and gratitude in them:

1. Death of a Parent – Losing a parent is never easy and can leave us feeling lost and alone. However, focusing on the life they lived and the impact they had on us and others can help us find meaning in their passing. Funerals should be about celebrating their life and the memories we shared with them. It is also a reminder that life is fleeting, and we should make the most of the time we have with our loved ones.

2. Being Diagnosed with a Disease – It can be devastating to receive a serious diagnosis, but being aware of what is going on inside our bodies can be a blessing. It means we can make changes to our lifestyle, seek treatment, and take control of our health. Seeing it this way can help us find gratitude for our body’s ability to signal us when things are not working correctly.

3. Ending a Marriage – Divorce is never easy, but sometimes it is the best decision for our wellbeing, and it is not a failure to admit that. It takes courage and strength to end a toxic or abusive relationship and move on with our lives. It is essential to focus on what we learned from the relationship and what we can take with us to our future endeavors.

4. Losing Your Job – Losing a job can be a significant blow to our self-worth, but it can also be an opportunity to chase our dreams and make necessary changes. Perhaps the job was not the right fit for us, and this can be a sign that it is time to pursue a new path. It is crucial to focus on what we learned from the job and how we can use that to our advantage in the future.

5. Children Moving Away – The idea of our children leaving home can be bittersweet, but it is also a sign of success. We have raised independent and courageous individuals who are ready to take on the world. Instead of wallowing in sadness, we should celebrate their accomplishments and the bond we will always share.

6. Failed Business Venture – It is hard to let go of our dreams and admit when something is not working. However, failure is not a bad thing. It is an opportunity to learn and grow, and it means we took a risk and tried something new. We should focus on what we learned from the experience and use it to our advantage in future endeavors.

In conclusion, the unpredictable roller-coaster of life can be both a blessing and a curse. Sad events can be challenging and leave us feeling lost and alone. However, by shifting our perspective and focusing on what we have control over, we can find meaning and gratitude in these events. It is essential to remember that failure is not a bad thing, and each sad event is an opportunity to learn and grow. Life is unpredictable, but it is up to us to make the most of it and cherish the time we have with our loved ones.