When One Door Closes, Another Door Opens

Sometimes, just when you think you have everything figured out, and just when you think that life is all bright and rosy, life throws you a curveball. It could be at work, it could be at home, it could be in any circumstance that you thought you had under your control. And then life surprises you with a difficult twist that ruins all of your plans. It’s like a vicious uppercut that hits you right in the face; and it leaves you dazed, disappointed and so full of self-doubt.

We sometimes encounter such experiences in our lives. Whether in school or in the office, at home or at play; there are times when that promising opportunity that you had set your heart on just goes awry. The setback’s initial blow will always be the hardest to bear, and you’d probably find yourself questioning your abilities and decisions.

However, I have learned that as time pass and the wounds of frustration begin to heal, there will always be a silver lining that God provides for us. I just had to open my eyes to find it. And I realize that rejections are merely stepping stones to something better, and which could even be more fulfilling.

Take the case of a lost job opportunity. There was a time I was eyeing what I felt was the ideal work for me. This job that slipped through my fingers had seemed perfect fit at the time. The role, the company, the potential for growth – everything seemed aligned with my aspirations and goals. I felt bad when I lost the job. I questioned my qualifications, my interview, and the choices that I made leading to this moment. A sense of failure and frustration weighed heavily on me, casting a shadow of doubt over my self-confidence and my vision for the future. But in the midst of my disappointment, a glimmer of hope emerged. A new assignment opened up. One that offered me an opportunity that, upon closer inspection, resonated well with my values and passions, one that provided me a chance to demonstrate my creativity and tickled my non-traditional, adventurous self.

As I delved into this new opportunity, I realized that the rejection I had faced earlier was a blessing in disguise. It had redirected me towards a path less trodden, but one that held the promise of a unique experience, and hence, of greater fulfillment and growth. The challenges and experiences that came with this new role pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to expand my horizons. I found myself thriving in ways I had not imagined, drawing on strengths and skills that I never knew I possessed. I learned new skills, developed new friends, and opened up a whole new world for myself.

Looking back, I see that what seemed like a setback would, in fact, become another opportunity that would play a significant role in shaping my life journey. It taught me resilience, humility, and the importance of trusting the process. I learned the importance of looking closely in the possible unseen opportunities that lie beyond our immediate disappointments. Embracing rejection as a catalyst for growth, I learned to welcome change and uncertainty as avenues leading to a new adventure.

Thus, the job I lost turned out to be not a loss after all. Instead, it became a pivotal stepping stone to a more fulfilling and wonderful path. It taught me not to treat setbacks as the end of the road, but rather the beginning of a new chapter in my life, waiting to unfold with its own set of challenges and triumphs. Embracing rejection with an open heart and a resilient spirit can lead us to places we never thought possible, shaping us into better versions of ourselves. As Alexander Graham Bell said: As one door closes, another one opens. Be aware and watch out for your opening door.

Cover photo courtesy of Freepik.