Things happen for a reason

When I came across this Sufi epigram which said, "When the heart grieves over what it has lost, the spirit rejoices over what it has left," I feel a lot better, at least spiritually, and renews my faith in God. I have no regrets over the events, trials and tribulations of my life, whether or not I have any control over them, whether or not the outcome was favorable or not favorable to me.

Some of the things that happened to me were horrible, painful and unfair - betrayal, separation, divorce, deception and a trail of heartbreaks. There are some people I feel like strangling too. There are also many many other lesser "weevils" and "obstacles" - the liars, the pretenders, the cheaters, the takers, the users, the players, the holier than thou, the jerks, the losers and what not.

But you know what, I have come to accept that each of them taught me a great lesson. I realize that without overcoming these weevils and obstacles I would never have realized my strength, willpower and resilience. Because of what they did to me, I have emerged out of my shell, stronger and harder inside.

Now I can think of The Ex-Hubby, and remember our fond memories together when our love was still young and blooming. Indeed, the years have been good for us, but the days were not enough. Or rather, the days have been good for us, only the nights were not enough.

Nevertheless, it is true they say, people we meet affect our lives. The successes and downfalls that we experienced yesterday helped shape who we are today. The bad experiences we could learn from - more so that good experiences.

I believe that everything happens for a reason, and nothing happens simply by chance or by means of luck. As someone wise said, "Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness even sheer stupidity - it all occurs to test the limits of our souls. Without these small tests, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere, safe and comfortable but dull and utterly pointless."

I have learned to forgive people when they hurt or betray me and break my heart. Forgiving other people leaves my soul free to live this good life without regrets. Good living is the best revenge, as an ole friend used to say. I forgave them weevils and obstacles because they have taught me good lessons on trust and the importance of being cautious to whom I open my heart to.

I have learned to love people back unconditionally - not only because they love me, but because they are teaching me to love and open my heart and eyes to little things. I have also love people unconditionally - even when my love is not returned.

Some people come into our lives and we know right away that they were meant to be there to serve some sort of purpose - to teach us a lesson or help figure out who we are or who we want to be. They affect our lives in some profound way, sometimes.