How My Darkest Time Led to My Brightest Life
What If Our “Bad” Moments are Clearing Our Path
I used to think I could predict how things would turn out—until life proved me wrong.
Over and over.
The truth is, we never really know where the path is leading us.
Recently, I’ve been through some big shifts in my life, and more than once, I’ve found myself asking (in frustration), “Why? What’s the point of this?”
I’m sure you’ve had those moments too. Ready to throw your hands in the air because, let’s face it, some experiences just friggin’ suck.
There’s no watering it down with toxic positivity.
So feel into that frustration—go ahead, let it out, and scream, “You suck!” I’ve done it more times than I can count.
But here’s what I’m learning on my spiritual journey: everything that happens is usually a blessing in disguise. Even the darkest times can be clearing the way for something better..
Bad things lead to better things.
Think back to a time when something "bad" happened to you, but as time passed, it ultimately led you to a better place.
This brings me to a parable I’d like to share:
The Wise Farmer Parable
There was once a wise farmer who owned a horse.
One day, his horse ran away.
The farmer's neighbor, quick to judge, exclaimed, “Oh, what a tragedy! Your only horse is gone, and now you’re left with none!”
The wise farmer calmly replied, “Who knows what’s good or bad?”
A few days later, the horse returned, bringing along 10 wild stallions.
The neighbor, equally quick to celebrate, said, “What an incredible stroke of luck! You now have 11 horses!”
Again, the wise farmer simply said, “Who knows what’s good or bad?”
Shortly after, the farmer’s son was trying to tame one of the wild stallions. The horse bucked him off, and he severely broke his ankle.
The neighbor rushed over, lamenting, “Oh, what a tragedy! Your son has broken his ankle!”
The wise farmer, unshaken, replied, “Who knows what’s good or bad?”
Weeks later, war broke out, and the government came to conscript all able-bodied young men. The farmer’s son was spared because of his injury.
The neighbor, now astonished, exclaimed, “What an incredible blessing! Your son doesn’t have to go to war where he surely would have died!”
As always, the wise farmer said, “Who knows what’s good or bad?”
My Story
I was 8 months pregnant, a mother to a 2-year-old, and trapped in constant stress and emotional abuse.
I felt powerless to create the peaceful home my kids deserved.
Then came the breaking point: I lost my child and nearly lost my life.
In my recovery, my spouse decided we should move across the country for a fresh start.
It wasn’t the way I wanted freedom, and the pain was unimaginable.
I spent years in therapy, untangling the grief and finding myself again. But through that pain, I reclaimed my power.
I learned to accept myself, live independently, and create the life I’d always dreamed of for myself and my kids.
Today, I’m raising three beautiful children in a home filled with peace, love, and stability—the very environment I once thought was impossible.
I wouldn’t wish my journey on anyone, but I can’t deny that it made me who I am today.
The Lesson
Life unfolds as a series of interconnected events—cause and effect, one leading to the next. What seems like a tragedy today might pave the way for tomorrow’s blessings.
If you reflect on your life, you’ll find a chain of events where things you once thought were “bad” were necessary to bring about the things you now cherish.
This parable reminds us that the idea of "good" and "bad" is often shaped by our immediate perspective.
This year, live with intention, but don’t let setbacks or unpredictable events discourage you.
For who knows what’s good or bad?
I love this and it resonates a lot with me. Thank you :)
Withholding judgment on what's good or bad in life is a powerful lesson and difficult to learn.