Let’s be real for a second: life can feel like a never-ending rollercoaster. One day, you’re on top of the world, radiating confidence and joy, and the next, it feels like the universe is conspiring against you.
We’ve all been there—staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m., wondering why things aren’t going our way. But what if I told you that life isn’t happening to you? What if, instead, life is happening from you? Sounds a little wild, right? But stick with me, because this mindset shift might just change everything.
The Way We Usually See Life
Most of us grow up thinking of life as something external. It’s like we’re standing on one side of a river, and life is on the other side, throwing stuff at us—good, bad, or somewhere in between. We blame circumstances, other people, or even fate for how things turn out. “Why did this happen to me?” or “Why can’t I catch a break?” are questions we’ve all asked at some point. And while it’s natural to feel this way, it’s also kind of exhausting. It leaves us feeling powerless, like we’re just along for the ride.
But here’s the thing: life isn’t this separate entity that’s out to get you. It’s not a force that’s randomly tossing challenges or blessings your way. Instead, life is more like a mirror. It reflects back what you’re putting out into the world—your thoughts, your energy, your actions. In other words, life is coming from you, not at you.
“You are the creator of your own reality. Life doesn’t happen to you; it happens through you.”
What Does That Even Mean?
Okay, let’s break this down. If life is coming from you, it means that your inner world—your mindset, your beliefs, your emotions—shapes your outer world. Think about it: have you ever noticed how your day seems to go better when you wake up in a good mood? Or how, when you’re feeling anxious, everything seems to go wrong? That’s not a coincidence. It’s because your internal state is influencing how you experience the world around you.
For example, let’s say you’re stuck in traffic. If you’re already stressed out, that traffic jam is going to feel like the end of the world. But if you’re in a calm, positive headspace, you might just shrug it off and turn up the radio. Same situation, totally different experience. The difference? You. Your perspective. Your energy.
Taking Responsibility for Your Life
“So, you’re saying it’s all my fault?” Not exactly. This isn’t about blaming yourself for everything that goes wrong. It’s about recognizing that you have more power than you think. When you realize that life is coming from you, you start to take responsibility for your own happiness, your own peace, and your own success.
Taking responsibility doesn’t mean you have to control everything—because let’s face it, you can’t. But it does mean you get to choose how you respond. You get to decide what meaning you give to the things that happen. Did you fail at something? Instead of seeing it as proof that you’re not good enough, you can see it as a learning opportunity. Did someone treat you poorly? Instead of letting it ruin your day, you can choose to focus on the people who lift you up.
The energy you put into the world is the energy that comes back to you. Choose wisely, for life is your mirror.
How To Shift Your Perspective
So, how do you start living like life is coming from you? It’s not something that happens overnight, but here are a few ways to get started:
Pay Attention to Your Thoughts: Your thoughts shape your reality. If you’re constantly thinking negative thoughts, you’re going to attract more negativity. Try to catch yourself when you’re spiraling and reframe those thoughts. Instead of “This always happens to me,” try “This is a chance for me to grow.”
Focus on What You CAN Control: There’s a lot in life that’s out of your hands, but there’s also a lot you can control—like your attitude, your effort, and how you treat others. Focus on those things, and let go of the rest.
Practice Gratitude: When you’re grateful for what you have, you attract more things to be grateful for. It’s like a magnet for positivity. Start small—maybe write down three things you’re thankful for each day.
Be Intentional: Life is coming from you, so be mindful of what you’re putting out there. Are you acting out of fear or love? Are you creating more joy or more stress? Every choice you make is a chance to shape your reality.
The Bigger Picture
At the end of the day, life isn’t something that’s happening to you—it’s something you’re co-creating. You’re not a passive bystander; you’re an active participant. And while that might feel like a lot of pressure, it’s also incredibly empowering. It means you have the power to change your story, to create a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
The next time life feels overwhelming, take a deep breath and remind yourself: life is coming from you, not at you.
