I've always been a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.

As my life has progressed, I find that this bold statement has held true.

There's things that have occurred in all of our lives that we may not necessarily understand at the time. Then there's things that occur that we're thankful for. Regardless of the situation, all of it happens for a reason.

For the experiences that we don't understand, look as them only as an opportunity to grow and learn. Sure, it may be a new and perhaps, uncomfortable situation, but in the end of this unfamiliar experience, you will come out a much stronger and wiser person. Then the next time around, you'll know how to handle the same or similar experience.

For the experiences of pure happiness, embrace them and try to appreciate the best you can. Don't wonder why or how they happened. Instead, just be thankful.

For the experiences of chaos and confusion; things may appear to be random, but everyone knows that appearances can lie. Everything that occurs in our lives have and serve a real purpose.

Understanding that everything happens for a reason will bring you more in touch with who you are as an individual. You will be happier because even in times of a loss, you will be more understanding and realize that the future holds more potential for growth than whatever loss you just experienced. Lastly, you will be wiser because you will finally begin to see and understand that everything somehow connects.

God works in mysterious ways. The bottom line is to trust in God's plans and also trust yourself to overcome all of the obstacles in our wonderful lives.