Life is Happening to You or Through You: A Journey of Perspective

Sat Jan 4, 2025

 Transform Your Mindset for Personal Growth

"Life isn’t just happening to you; it’s a canvas waiting for your unique brushstrokes. Embrace your role as the artist of your journey"

Life is a series of moments, experiences, and choices. Yet, how we interpret and engage with those experiences can drastically alter our journey. The idea that "life is happening to you" versus "life is happening through you" reflects two distinct mindsets that can shape our existence.

Life is Happening to You

When we view life as something that happens to us, we often adopt a passive role. We might see ourselves as victims of circumstance, responding to challenges and changes with feelings of helplessness or frustration. This perspective can stem from various sources: past traumas, societal pressures, or simply the unpredictability of life.

Signs of a Passive Mindset

  1. Victim Mentality: Constantly feeling like the world is against you.
  2. Blame: Attributing your struggles to external forces—people, events, or situations.
  3. Fear of Change: Resisting new experiences because they seem overwhelming or threatening.
While it's natural to feel overwhelmed at times, living in this mindset can lead to stagnation. You may find yourself stuck in negative patterns, unable to break free from cycles of disappointment and frustration.

Life is Happening Through You

On the other hand, viewing life as something that happens through you invites a more active and empowered perspective. This mindset acknowledges that while we cannot control every external event, we can control how we respond. Life becomes a canvas, and you are the artist.

Embracing an Empowered Mindset

  1. Responsibility: Taking ownership of your choices and their consequences.
  2. Growth: Seeing challenges as opportunities for personal development.
  3. Mindfulness: Being present and engaged in your experiences, which allows for deeper understanding and connection.
When you embrace this perspective, you start to recognize the power of your thoughts and actions. You become more intentional about how you navigate life, cultivating resilience and adaptability along the way.

The Shift: From "To" to "Through"

Making the shift from feeling like life is happening to you to realizing it’s happening through you requires a conscious effort. Here are some steps to facilitate this transformation:

  1. Practice Self-Reflection: Regularly assess your thoughts and feelings. Are you placing blame or seeking understanding?
  2. Cultivate Gratitude: Focus on what you have rather than what you lack. Gratitude shifts your mindset from scarcity to abundance.
  3. Set Intentions: Instead of waiting for life to unfold, decide how you want to engage with it. Set clear intentions and goals to guide your journey.
  4. Embrace Change: Life is inherently dynamic. Instead of resisting change, lean into it and seek lessons in every experience.
  5. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Engage with people and environments that uplift and inspire you. Their energy can reinforce your empowered perspective.
Your Journey Awaits

Ultimately, the choice between viewing life as happening to you or through you is a personal one. It’s important to acknowledge that there will be moments when it feels as if life is overwhelming and beyond your control. Yet, embracing the belief that you have the power to influence your experiences can transform not just your perspective but your entire life.

As you navigate your unique journey, remember that you are the author of your story. Each chapter is filled with opportunities for growth, connection, and joy. Choose to let life flow through you and watch as your world transforms.


Ruchika Chaudhary
An Indian Mindfulness Life Coach, lover of food, oceans, and nature.