Present Me: Life has been throwing challenge after challenge at me, and I can’t help but ask, “Why is this happening to me?” It feels unfair, and I don’t understand the purpose behind all of this.

Future Me: I hear you. I remember being in your shoes, feeling like life was handing me more than I could handle. But let me tell you something that changed everything for me—shifting from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What is this teaching me?”

Present Me: That sounds easier said than done. When things go wrong, how do I make that shift?

Future Me: It starts with perspective. Every challenge, every setback, every frustration is an opportunity in disguise. It may not feel like it in the moment, but trust me, everything you’re going through is shaping you into the person you’re meant to be.

Present Me: So, you’re saying my struggles actually have a purpose?

Future Me: Exactly. Look back at your past—has there ever been a tough situation that, in hindsight, ended up teaching you something valuable? Maybe it made you stronger, wiser, or even led you to an opportunity you never would’ve considered otherwise.

Present Me: I guess… There have been moments when something I thought was a setback actually pushed me toward growth. But in the moment, it just feels like suffering.

Future Me: That’s completely normal. When you’re in the middle of a storm, all you see is the rain and the chaos. But storms don’t last forever. And once they pass, you realize they watered the ground for something new to grow.

Present Me: That’s a nice metaphor, but how do I apply it in real life?

Future Me: The key is to pause and ask the right questions. Instead of, “Why me?” ask, “What can I learn from this?” Instead of, “Why is everything going wrong?” ask, “How can I grow through this?” When you reframe the situation, you take back control. You stop feeling like a victim and start becoming a student of life.

Present Me: But what if I can’t see the lesson right away?

Future Me: That’s okay. Sometimes, the lessons take time to reveal themselves. The important thing is to trust that they are there. Keep moving forward, and the meaning will become clearer as you grow.

Present Me: So, even my worst days have something to teach me?

Future Me: Absolutely. Your struggles teach you patience, resilience, and strength. They show you who you really are and what you’re capable of overcoming. The challenges you face today are preparing you for something bigger tomorrow.

Present Me: I never thought about it that way. It’s hard to embrace struggles, but I can see how they’ve shaped me in the past.

Future Me: Exactly. And here’s another thing—when you start seeing challenges as lessons, you stop resisting them so much. Instead of fearing obstacles, you start facing them with curiosity. You begin to ask, “How can I grow from this?”

Present Me: So, it’s about mindset?

Future Me: Yes! Your mindset determines how you experience life. When you believe that everything is happening for your growth, you stop feeling like life is against you. Instead, you see it as guiding you.

Present Me: But what if something really painful happens? Like something that just feels too unfair to be a lesson?

Future Me: I get it. Some experiences are truly painful. And I’m not saying you have to pretend to be okay when you’re not. Feel your emotions. Honor your pain. But also know that healing and growth can come from even the hardest moments. Over time, you will find meaning, even in the most difficult situations.

Present Me: So, I should remind myself that even my struggles are part of my journey?

Future Me: Exactly. Every chapter of your life—good or bad—is part of the bigger story. Some chapters will be hard, but they don’t define the whole book. Keep turning the pages. You’re still becoming who you’re meant to be.

Present Me: That’s a powerful way to look at it. I want to start asking better questions when things go wrong.

Future Me: That’s the first step. Instead of dwelling on “Why is this happening?” ask, “How can I grow from this?” Shift your focus, and you’ll start to see opportunities where you once saw obstacles.

Present Me: Thank you. I feel more ready to face my challenges now.

to Learn more……read this Believe, Play , Plan, Execute: A Conversation with My Future Self