Serendipity

Earlier this week, I had a discussion about what it truly means to have a positive mindset. So many of us chase after this ideal, hoping it will resolve the difficulties we face. But the reality is that positivity cannot exist without negativity. The belief that achieving a positive outlook will somehow erase the negative aspects of life often leads to disappointment, making many of us question if it’s even possible. None of us have the definitive answer, and truthfully, most of us aren’t prepared for it either.

For me, having a positive mindset isn’t about being cheerful all the time. It’s about approaching each situation with perspective—seeing things as they are and finding ways to make life a little more manageable. There were times when the anger I had toward the world fueled my reason to keep fighting, to keep living. But ultimately, it made me cynical and bitter. At one point, I was homeless, wondering if I was going to die. The combination of guilt, shame, and pride clouded my ability to see things clearly. I was so consumed by my own struggles that I lost sight of everything around me. I thought back to all this ‘positive mindset’ talk and became even angrier.

One day, I was sitting in a community center parking lot, watching the sunset. The sky was a beautiful mix of orange, blue, and red. For the first time in a long time, I felt a rush of peace. I knew I was homeless and hungry, but in that moment, none of it mattered. I lay down and started to reflect—not on my anger, but on why I needed to live. Why I had to keep fighting. It wasn’t anger that drove me anymore; it was the people I loved. I couldn’t let them down. They needed me, and I had no choice but to be better.

That’s when my purpose became clear: a dedication to this positive mindset. No matter what obstacle came my way, I had to find a way through it so that, when the people I love faced their own trials, I would be there to guide them.

Positivity isn’t about embracing all the good and ignoring the bad. It’s about understanding the balance of Yin and Yang—the duality that exists within life itself. We go through certain events and situations so that we emerge stronger, with a greater understanding of what love truly is. Love is shaped by loneliness and heartbreak before it becomes everything else we believe it to be.

Perspective allows change, and that change is up to you—whether you choose to see what’s on the other side or stay content with where you are. We cannot blame the world for its cruelty; we must take accountability for why we haven’t done more to help those affected by life’s injustices. Even something as simple as a smile can make a difference. Smile at someone, and they may learn what a smile looks like.