Mindful Moment 20231215

When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often, we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.
– Helen Keller

Keller’s metaphor of doors represents life’s myriad opportunities and experiences. Closing one door, symbolizing the end of an opportunity or a happy period, is a natural part of life. However, it’s our response to these endings that defines our experience of life. Focusing too long on what we have lost or what has ended can blind us to new emerging opportunities.

Her words encourage us to practice acceptance and to let go. While it’s natural to feel sadness or disappointment when a door of happiness closes, dwelling on these feelings can prevent us from moving forward. Accepting the closure allows us to begin the healing process and opens us up to new possibilities.

Additionally, Keller’s quote highlights the value of optimism and hope. The “open door” represents the new possibilities, paths, and experiences that await us. These opportunities can lead to growth, joy, and perhaps even deeper happiness. However, recognizing these opportunities requires a mindset open to change and ready to embrace the new.

This perspective is particularly poignant coming from Keller, who faced significant challenges yet managed to lead a rich and impactful life. Her life exemplifies the ability to turn adversity into strength, an inspiring and instructive lesson.

Incorporating this lesson into our lives involves cultivating mindfulness and awareness. It’s about being present in the moment and open to observing changes in our environment. It also involves practising gratitude, which can shift our focus from what we have lost to what we still have and to the potential that lies ahead.

In essence, Helen Keller’s quote is a call to embrace change gracefully and maintain hope even in the face of loss. It reminds us that life is a tapestry of experiences, and the end of one chapter invariably leads to the beginning of another. By staying alert to new opportunities and focusing on the open doors in our lives, we can navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience and optimism.

Helen Adams Keller was an American author, disability rights advocate, political activist and lecturer.