Finding the Open Door: Helen Keller’s Lesson on Hope

Disappointments can blind us to new opportunities. Helen Keller’s words remind us to turn toward the open doors waiting for us.

“Often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.” ~ Helen Keller

I love this quotation by Helen Keller. Each of us faces disappointment in our lives. It’s part of the human condition. When disappointment comes, we can choose between giving into the disappointment and dropping into depression; or, we can choose to discover what was always available but unseen by us. I have had many examples like this in my life. Each time I was disappointed, anger and bitterness were not far behind. I didn’t stay that way too long, the optimist gene kicked in. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I discovered other opportunities and in each case, in hindsight, I was grateful I didn’t get what I wanted. I got something better. I hope the same is true for you.

Have you ever experienced a time when what you thought was a setback turned into a better opportunity?