"Cuando se cierra una puerta de felicidad, otra se abre, pero a menudo miramos tanto tiempo la puerta cerrada que no vemos la que se ha abierto para nosotros"

We all have those moments when things don't pan out the way we hoped. It's like getting amped up for a big opportunity—or maybe a relationship, a job, or even a dream vacation—and then, boom, the door slams shut. Helen Keller nailed it when she pointed out that we often get so hung up on what could have been that we miss new opportunities popping up all around us.

The core idea here is that life has its ups and downs. When one path is blocked, another opportunity usually presents itself. But we spend so much time dwelling on the closed door that we fail to see the new one opening right in front of us. It's about shifting your focus and being open to new possibilities rather than getting stuck in regret or disappointment.

Helen Keller, the person behind this wisdom, knew a thing or two about overcoming obstacles. She lost her sight and hearing at a young age yet went on to achieve remarkable things. Her life itself is a testament to finding new doors when the obvious ones are firmly shut. Think about it—if anyone knew about facing hardships and pivoting to find new avenues, it was her.

Now, let's bring this concept to life with a real-world example. Imagine a young software developer named Alex. Alex has always dreamed of working for a top tech company. He spends years building up his resume, polishing his skills, and finally lands an interview at his dream firm. But then, he gets that gut-wrenching email: "We're sorry to inform you..." It's over. The door is closed.

It sucks, no doubt. But instead of wallowing in that rejection, Alex decides to look around. He notices a start-up in his city that's working on some groundbreaking tech. It's not the job he initially dreamed of, but he decides to give it a shot. Fast forward a couple of years, and Alex is not just another employee; he's leading a team, working on cutting-edge projects, and has stock options that could make him a millionaire. That initial rejection? It's a distant memory. The new door that opened led him to a place he couldn't have even imagined.

So, how do you apply this wisdom to your life? Start by allowing yourself to feel the disappointment—it's natural. But set a timer on that pity party. Then, take a deep breath and look around. Ask yourself, "What's next? What other opportunities are out there?" Sometimes, it might mean pivoting to a different career, exploring new relationships, or moving to a new city. The key is to keep your eyes open and your mindset flexible.

Picture this: You're at a coffee shop with your best friend, Sarah. She's just been through a rough breakup and is heartbroken. She's convinced she'll never find love again. You listen, nod, and then share this bit of wisdom. You remind her of the time she didn't get into her first-choice college. She was devastated back then, but ended up at a different school where she met amazing people and discovered her passion for graphic design. You tell her, "Remember how that turned out? This could be just like that. Maybe there's someone even better for you out there. Don't miss out because you're staring at this closed door."

By sharing stories like Sarah's, you remind yourself and others that life is full of twists and turns. The trick is not to get stuck looking at what's lost but to stay hopeful about what's coming next. So, next time you face a closed door, remember: there's probably another one opening up right behind you. Just turn around and take a look.