"می‌توانم با آنچه برایم اتفاق می‌افتد تغییر کنم. اما نمی‌گذارم به واسطه‌اش محدود شوم."

This quote is all about resilience and personal strength. It's recognizing that the events in our lives can indeed affect us, but they don't have to break us down or define who we are.

Let's dig into this a bit. Imagine you're going through a really tough time — maybe you lost your job or went through a rough breakup. Naturally, these events are going to impact you. You might feel sad, angry, or even lost. And that's okay. The key idea here is that while these things can change us, they don't have to diminish us. You still have control over your response and what you make of the experience.

Now, why was this said? It's often attributed to Maya Angelou, a phenomenal poet and civil rights activist. She had a life full of both remarkable achievements and deep hardships. From facing systemic racism to enduring personal trauma, she had every reason to feel defeated. Instead, she chose to rise above these challenges, letting them shape her but not shrink her spirit.

Think about J.K. Rowling for a moment. Before she became a household name, she was a single mother living on welfare, struggling to make ends meet. Life threw some pretty harsh stuff her way. Yet, she didn't let her circumstances reduce her. Instead, she channeled her experiences into writing the Harry Potter series, which not only transformed her life but also touched millions around the world. Her story is a testament to this quote in action.

So, how do we apply this wisdom to our lives? Start by acknowledging your feelings. If something bad happens, it's natural to feel upset. Let yourself feel those emotions, but don't let them consume you. Next, shift your mindset from victim to survivor. Ask yourself, "What can I learn from this? How can I grow?" This transformation in thinking can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Here's a story to bring it home. Picture this: Sarah, a young graphic designer, gets laid off unexpectedly. She's devastated. Her rent's due, and she's worried about her future. After wallowing for a bit (which is totally normal), she decides to take control. She starts freelancing, building her portfolio, and learning new skills. Sure, the layoff changed her path, but she refused to let it diminish her. Instead, she ended up creating a rewarding career that she might never have pursued otherwise.

Remember, it's not about pretending everything's fine when it's not. It's about facing challenges head-on and refusing to let them define your entire existence. Life can throw some pretty tough punches, but it's up to us whether we get knocked out or get back up, stronger than before.