Everything Happens for a Reason

If you know me, then you know this is my most infamous regurgitation of words: "EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON." And most times, its followed by "we may not realize it today or tomorrow or even 5 years from now, but in the long run, this is what was meant to be."

There are a few things I have actually learned in life - as life lessons. The most important is - see above - the second is everything in life is a trade-off, and the third is to take ownership - of your work, your self, and your actions/reactions.

Example of trade-offs in the workplace: your resume keeps piling up experiences that can push you over the edge into multiple categories of positions now than just a year ago. BUT you are doing the work of three people, your days went from an easy 8 hours with an hour lunch break to a strenuous 10-12 hours without a lunch break, and you're not getting paid any higher for it. The trade-off is you are adding to your resume. You are proving to yourself what you can handle and what is not worth handling in the future. This is not a terrible balance.

Example of trade-offs in relationships: Your friend may date that guy who seems awesome, they cuddle in the corners at restaurants, he brings home flowers to her when she has a bad day, and he brings her breakfast in bed on the weekends. BUT he also yells at her for being uncultured, cheats on her when he's out of town, and frequently visits the strip club. Yeah, everything in life is a trade-off and nothing is perfect, as much as it may seem on the surface. (Disclosure: that was not one friend's experience with a significant other, but rather a mixture of friends' experiences.) The point being, you take the good with the bad - however much of the bad you can handle - and weigh it against the good. Often times its not as dramatic as what was described above, but sometimes it is. Its all about listening to yourself and what is important and what is not - what could you live with if it meant living without that person?

Example of taking ownership in the workplace. This is the hardest lesson for someone who is an overachiever, perfectionist, and stubborn to learn. Believe me. When I finally realized the importance of this lesson, it was mind blowing and eye opening. I would rank this as one of my strengths and my best professional qualities. I will admit a mistake, find a way to fix it, resolve the issues and move on. And laugh about it. Gotta laugh about it and keep that mistake as a point of reference for what not to do in the future!

Example of taking ownership in relationships: Sometimes I put my foot in my mouth. Gotta own up to it. Sometimes I say things that I dont want thrown back in my face at a later date and time during a disagreement. The significant other has gotta take ownership for that.

And of course this all ties into those fantastic four words: EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON! There are no mistakes, just experiences to teach you not to do it that way again. There are no perfect relationships, just the perfect person for you.

Tuesday is upon us, so let's make it a great day! And one that is remembered for all of the great things we have to offer!