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The big thing is not what happens to us: This quote talks about owning what happens to us in life and moving forward. I don’t think we give our challenges and opportunities enough credit. Our challenges appear big because they appear as roadblocks for our success. We tend to gloss over the opportunities and take them for granted. I love the meaning of this quote in appreciating what we get and try to make the most of it.

We can always judge and complain about our situation. But this is never going to help us. The only thing we can do is figure out how best to move forward. These inspirational words remind me of another powerful quote, it’s just not what we do that we’re responsible for. We’re responsible for both what we don’t do!

The big thing is not what happens to us Meaning

What is the meaning of this quote – the big thing is not what happens to us in life? Of all the success stories we’ve read, I rarely recall the circumstances that led to success. There is always some documentation and story telling. But these stories romanticise either the effort or character. But maybe there’s something more beautiful at play here in this quote.

It is about our spirit and strength to keep going when things are tough. That’s probably where we can centre the meaning of this quote – the big thing is not what happens to us in life. Remember another such quote – persistence is not one huge success! It is multiple successes that lead to one another. Success is usually a journey that has all types of outcomes. Some of them just work for us while we have to work very hard for others.

What we do with what happens to us

Some of our common behaviours include blaming the circumstance or people. All these behaviours tend to serve our ego or help us feel better about ourselves. But, it is better to feel awful in the short run if we can help ourselves in the long game.

You can find more inspiring quotes in our Quote of the Day section

Blame Game

There is always someone who can take the blame including ourselves or a part of ourselves or a characteristic of ours. Well it is the easiest choice, isn’t it? Of course, the blame is passed, we feel less responsible about things and well it is done.

A huge load off our back. But does that solve the problem we are having? Or is it just a way we find to tell ourselves that things are not as bad since it is not the fault which I would be responsible for.

Denial

Saying that something like this never happened. Taking the complete theory off the table and telling yourself and others that the unfavourable situation never crept in or never shook your boat. Maybe it is an easy way out, but isn’t it an escape?

Accept it

Well, I do agree it is one of the most uncomfortable things to do. Doesn’t come easy cos it hurts to take the blame and responsibility for it. But how bad is it? Why don’t we accept things and say well it is something which is in my domain and so is the solution?

The trick is, when we take responsibility of things, more often than not, we go after a solution. When the blame is on others, it is an easy way to say it is someone else’s fault and there is nothing we need to do about it. There is no fixation on our own to solve the situation. But at this end, once we own up to something, we can always find  a way out.

Look for the solution

Don’t blame the messenger, and don’t crucify him either. The messenger, in this case, your mind is just conveying you to what is not working and what the problem is. Appreciate its role, think of what can be done to sort this out and try acting on it. The solution was never in lamenting about a problem.

The lamenting can sometimes provide you a comfort but not the solution. We need to ask ourselves as to what is important? Is it the problem or is it the solution to the problem which can set you free?!

The final bit is, it is never is that important as to what happens to you, but what you do about it, goes a long way..