We’ve all faced moments when doors seem to slam shut, leaving us wondering what to do next. These experiences can be painful, but they can also lead to unexpected opportunities for growth and success.
From a young age, I had a passion for ballet. At just two years old, I asked for ballet lessons instead of dolls or toys. By 12, I was invited to train with the American Ballet Company, a dream come true. But within a year, that door closed abruptly—my family couldn’t afford the lessons, and my mother believed ballet wasn’t a suitable pursuit for a "decent girl."
At 13, I was lost without my passion. I turned to new dreams, like pursuing pre-med, but that path was also blocked when my parents refused to support further education. I became a nurse, but after graduating, I was permanently disabled by a patient. More doors closed, and I had to adapt again, shifting my focus to a different type of nursing.
Life continued to challenge me. I wore a body brace for 11 years and survived a violent attack by my husband. Yet, through every door that closed, I found new ways to move forward.
Why am I sharing this? Because I want you to see that when things are taken away from us, we have a choice: to dwell on the loss or to seek out new passions and opportunities. When life becomes difficult, which road do you choose?
To be honest, I’ve taken both roads. I’ve had my share of dwelling in misery and throwing myself pity parties. But I also learned to step back, reassess, and find new paths to follow. I created a nonprofit focused on holistic health education, determined to show others that options exist for all of us if we’re willing to look for them.
One of the best doors that opened for me was the chance to work with detectives who sought my help. This unexpected opportunity allowed me to turn my experiences into something positive, helping others while healing my own wounds. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the worst circumstances, we can find a way to make a difference.
So, when doors close in your life, remember that new ones are waiting to be opened. It’s up to you to find them.
Exercise: Turning a Closed Door into an Open Opportunity
Take a moment to reflect on a time in your life when a door closed unexpectedly. It could be a lost opportunity, a change in circumstances, or a difficult challenge you faced. Now, think about what new opportunities or paths emerged as a result. How did you adapt? What did you learn?
Write down one positive outcome that came from that closed door. It could be a new skill, a relationship, or a different perspective on life.
Question:
What door has closed in your life, and how did you turn it into an opportunity for growth? I’d love to hear your story. Please share your experience in the comments on my Facebook page or respond directly to this email. Let’s inspire each other to keep finding new doors to open!
