Back in 2003, while I was in China healing my brain using the power of my mind (you can find the full story in a previous blog post), my Qi Gong master, Master Ming Tong, shared countless stories packed with profound lessons. These stories became anchors of wisdom, and one in particular has stayed with me. Whenever life threw tough challenges my way, this story reminded me to look at the bigger picture. It helped me trust that when something “bad” happens, a much greater purpose or blessing is unfolding in the moment, even if it’s hard to see.

Master Ming Tong and I in China studying Qi Gong 2003

Here’s the story:

A long time ago, in a small countryside village in China, there lived a husband and wife. The wife had a horse that she loved dearly, spending hours riding it and caring for it in the pasture.

One day, the horse ran away. Heartbroken, the wife was inconsolable. But her husband calmly assured her, “When something bad happens, it means something good will come from it. That’s the way life works.”

Months went by, and the wife gave birth to a baby boy. Shortly after her son was born, the horse returned—but she didn’t come alone. The horse brought back a foal, giving the family an additional horse. The wife was overjoyed.

Years passed, and when the boy turned ten, he had a terrible accident while riding one of the horses. He was left paralyzed and unable to walk. The mother was devastated again. “How could this happen after everything we’ve been through?” she cried. Once again, her husband reminded her, “Because this is bad, something good will come from it.”

Years later, when the boy turned 18, war broke out in China. All young men were enlisted to fight, and tragically, every single soldier from their village perished in battle. But because their son couldn’t walk, he was spared.

The lesson: Sometimes what feels like a tragedy is actually a blessing in disguise. Life doesn’t happen to us; it happens for us. When we face difficulties, it’s often life’s way of redirecting us toward something greater—something aligned with our highest good.

What This Means for Us

I’ve faced moments in my life that seemed unbearable at the time but later revealed themselves as stepping stones to something greater. My second traumatic brain injury, for example, felt like the end of the world. Yet, it became a turning point—a chance to learn tools and gain insights that now empower me to live my best life.

We all go through challenges that shake us to our core. These moments aren’t punishments—they are lessons. If we don’t learn the lesson, life often repeats the challenge until we do. The key is to step back from the mindset of victimhood and instead ask, “What is this teaching me?” That shift in awareness transforms obstacles into opportunities and propels us toward growth.

Practical Tools to Overcome Challenges

1. Shift Your Perspective

When something goes wrong, pause and ask yourself:

• “How is this happening for me, not to me?”

• “What lesson can I take from this?”

This reframing helps you move from frustration to curiosity and empowerment.

2. Stay in Flow

Life’s curveballs are an invitation to adapt and trust. Instead of resisting or attaching to outcomes, lean into the present moment and stay open to possibilities.

3. Practice Gratitude in Tough Times

Gratitude shifts your focus from lack to abundance. Even in hardship, look for one thing—no matter how small—that you’re grateful for. This practice rewires your brain to see challenges as opportunities.

4. Journal Your Journey

Writing helps you process emotions and gain clarity. Reflect on questions like:

• What am I learning about myself?

• How can this experience help me grow?

5. Embrace the Bigger Picture

Trust that life is guiding you. Often, it’s only in hindsight that we see how every twist and turn connects. Keep faith in the process.

The Power of Awareness

The moment you stop asking, “Why is this happening to me?” and start asking, “What is this teaching me?” you reclaim your power. When you shift from resistance to curiosity, from fear to flow, you open the door to transformation.

Challenges are not roadblocks; they’re stepping stones. With each step, you’re getting closer to your highest self—the version of you that is strong, resilient, and aligned with your purpose.

Remember, the bad isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of something greater. Trust the process, and you’ll see that every hardship carries the seed of a blessing. Keep going—you’ve got this. I promise.