It’s Not What You May Think

Why Is This Happening For Me?

Have you ever had one of those days where things just don’t go as planned? You’re excited and hopeful—maybe for an event, a special day, or something you’ve been looking forward to—only for it to veer off course. It’s not a total disaster, but it’s definitely not the amazing moment you had imagined.

That’s exactly what happened to me this weekend. I had been looking forward to it, only to find myself dealing with frustration and disappointment when things didn’t turn out as I’d hoped. At first, I caught myself thinking, “Why is this happening to me? This isn’t fair!”

But then, I stopped and shifted my perspective.

What if I asked myself, “Why is this happening FOR me?”

This simple change of words completely reframed the situation. It reminded me that even when things don’t go according to my plan, there’s always a reason behind them. Sometimes, the reason isn’t clear in the moment, but trusting that it’s there can turn frustration into curiosity—and curiosity into peace.

I believe that God has a purpose for everything we experience. It may not be what we wanted, and it may not even make sense right away, but it’s not random. Life’s detours often teach us something valuable or prepare us for something we never saw coming.

Shifting from “Why me?” to “What’s the lesson here?” or “How is this happening for me?” does something incredible: it pulls us out of a victim mindset. Instead of feeling like life is happening to us, we become open to the idea that it’s happening for us.

This perspective shift can lift your mood, keep your spirits high, and help you approach challenges with resilience and grace. When you lean into curiosity and hope, it’s easier to move forward and trust that good things are coming—even if the path isn’t what you expected.

So, next time your plans take a detour, try asking yourself, “How is this happening for me?” You might just discover a whole new way to see the situation.