Life happens to everyone. As we grow up, we often imagine the perfect course of our lives. we plan, we dream, and we work hard to turn those dreams into reality. In those moments, nothing seems impossible, and truly, nothing is.

But somewhere along the way, we forget that we don’t happen to life, life happens to us. And during that journey, certain moments, even unexpected ones, beautifully reshape our souls, our thoughts, and the way we see the world. Our perspective evolves.

During that journey, we open certain doors believing they will lead us to our dreams. But sometimes, those very doors take us into rooms filled with our deepest fears and most painful experiences. They shake our values, break our confidence, and leave scars on our souls.

It feels like walking through a cold, pouring rain without an umbrella or warm clothing, every drop cutting through the skin, burning with each touch. In those moments, the soul carries wounds that reach far beyond what the eyes can see. And healing from them demands immense awareness and courage.

Yet not every soul knows how to begin that journey of healing. There’s often no one to answer our questions. Our minds keep replaying those painful moments, whispering the same question over and over, “Why me?”

During those times, it becomes harder to forgive; the circumstances, and the people who caused us pain. But we often forget the deeper truth: those very moments are where our greatest growth begins. They shape us into stronger, wiser versions of ourselves.

Yet, in the midst of pain, we resist change. We blame the circumstances instead of seeing the new version of ourselves that has emerged from enduring the storm. Forgiveness becomes unfamiliar, and the soul feels like a warrior trapped in blame.

I once captured this rainbow after a long hike. During the climb, it was raining, windy, and cold, and I was completely unprepared for the weather. But when I finally reached the top, nature rewarded me with a breathtaking view of a rainbow.

During the walk, my mind was filled with negative thoughts about the weather and the hike itself. I started cursing the rain, the wind, and the discomfort. But when I finally reached the top and witnessed that breathtaking rainbow, I realised how important and rewarding the journey had been. Every hardship was worth it.

In that moment, gratitude replaced frustration. I found myself silently thanking every challenge; the rain, the cold, the exhaustion, because they led me to that beautiful sight. My heart softened. Forgiveness emerged.

Life is no different. Every hardship, every person, and every situation that brings us pain is shaping us into the best version of ourselves, the one capable of witnessing the beauty that awaits. Once we accept this truth, we begin to forgive. We become thankful for everything that contributes to our growth and realise that the real battle was never with others, but within ourselves.

That’s when we evolve into a soul that is both healed and forgiving.