We all have moments when life gives you lemons, or throws something unexpected or challenging. Sometimes it’s big, like facing illness in yourself or loved ones. Other times, it’s smaller frustrations… plans that don’t work out, unexpected delays, or finding ourselves in situations we didn’t choose. It’s easy to get stuck focusing on the challenges and feeling like the universe is against us.
But what if, instead of seeing these challenges as obstacles, we chose to reframe them?
What if, instead of thinking “why is this happening to me?” we asked, “what is the opportunity here?”

In this post, I’ll share a little of my personal journey in reframing challenges, and how this practice has helped me feel more grounded, resilient, and open to the possibilities that life has to offer—even when things aren’t going as planned.

Embracing Reframing as a Daily Practice

I was recently in Vietnam, and in that last week abroad, I came down with a cold and a bit of a tummy bug. That is not exactly how I imagined ending the trip! Instead of exploring Hanoi, I found myself grounded at the hotel, feeling low energy and a bit disappointed. But I decided to see this as an opportunity instead of a setback. Being unwell gave me the chance to slow down and spend some quality time with my beloved. It wasn’t the Vietnamese adventure I had planned in my last few days in Vietnam, but it was a reminder to connect, rest, and appreciate the company for what it was… We talked, cuddled and went to the hotel spa for a couple of hours of pampering a few times.

Reframing is the simple but profound act of shifting our focus from what’s going wrong to what might be opening up instead. This shift doesn’t mean ignoring the hard parts or pretending challenges don’t exist, but it’s about broadening our perspective and seeing what else might be there. It’s the practice of asking, “what is the opportunity here?”

Seeing Challenges as Opportunities for Growth

After Vietnam, I’ve found myself in a different, yet challenging environment—being surrounded by my ill parents, and a brother who’s understandably feeling the weight of stress and responsibility of family duty.
The recent US election results have added tension to many people’s lives, and the air is heavy.

It’s easy in these moments to let the weight of everything feel overwhelming. But I’m practicing reframing here, too.

Being around family right now is a great opportunity to practice patience and compassion. It’s a chance to show up, even when it’s tough, and to be there for my loved ones in a way that feels grounding and intentional. It’s a reminder that even though the circumstances aren’t easy, there’s still space for connection, care, and even healing. In a way, these moments with family are teaching me about holding space—not just for others, but for myself as well.

Lessons Learned Through Work Challenges

Of course, not all challenges are deeply personal… some are just part of the business of life. Recently, I hired someone to help me transfer my email marketing to another platform, a process I hoped would be seamless with the help of a so-called expert, but instead was filled with technical hiccups and frustration, due to lack of communication from their end.
In the past, this might have made me feel stressed and resentful. But I this time I chose to see this setback as a learning experience, instead of beating myself up for hiring the wrong person for the job.
I now have a new person helping with the transfer, and I’m hopeful that things will be up and running smoothly before the new year!

This experience reminded me that even when things go off course, there’s still an opportunity to learn something valuable. Challenges can be gifts in disguise, teaching us resilience, patience, and adaptability. Each roadblock is a chance to pause, regroup, and make adjustments that may serve us better in the long run.

How Reframing Can Support Confidence and Self-Worth

Reframing isn’t just about finding silver linings… it’s also about empowering ourselves to see new possibilities. Let’s say you’re someone who struggles with self-confidence, or maybe you feel unattractive or disconnected from your own sense of desirability. Instead of dwelling on “I’ll never feel good about myself,” try shifting to “What can I do today to show kindness to myself?” or “How can I see myself through a lens of self-compassion?”

This small change in perspective creates space for something new. When we reframe thoughts about our own self-worth, we open the door to building a deeper connection with ourselves. Over time this practice can help you feel more empowered and connected to the things that bring you joy, confidence, and a renewed sense of self.

Reframing as a Tool for Intimacy and Relationships

The reframing practice can also be powerful when applied to relationships. Maybe you feel like there’s distance between you and your partner, or you’re struggling to communicate your truth. Instead of seeing this as a problem, try thinking of it as an opportunity to bring curiosity and gentleness into your connection. Ask yourself, “How can I use this moment to better understand my partner?” or “What’s one small thing I can do to create closeness?”

Even if the relationship dynamic feels strained, reframing opens up possibilities for growth. It allows us to move out of judgment and into compassion, not only for our partner but also for ourselves.

An Invitation to Try Reframing in Your Own Life

So, here’s my invitation to you: take a moment to notice any challenges you’re facing. In what ways are you focusing on the difficulties, and how might you shift your perspective to find an opportunity within them? What happens when you choose to look for the hidden gifts that might be there, waiting to be seen?

Reframing isn’t about denying reality, but it’s about exploring new perspectives and knowing that within every challenge, there’s the potential for something new to emerge.

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change”. ~Wayne Dyer, spiritual teacher

Final Thoughts

As we move toward the end of another year, consider how you can embrace this practice in your own life. Life doesn’t always go as planned, but it’s our choice how we respond. The next time life hands you a lemon, ask yourself: “What is the opportunity here?”

I’d love to hear from you… feel free to comment if this post resonates with you or what you are taking away