from unexpected mistakes to new insights

"Things happen — it's how you deal with them."

Things just happen. That's life. Sometimes everything goes according to plan, but often it doesn't. It's not the event itself, but how you deal with it that makes the difference.

It's not always easy, but every time I manage to turn setbacks around, I notice personal growth. And the more I do this, the more I realize that even the most difficult moments carry something valuable within them.

I've learned that when I choose not to get stuck in negativity but instead look for what I can take from a situation, life becomes lighter and more meaningful. Things will always happen, often beyond my control. But how I respond is entirely in my hands. Ultimately, that's what truly matters.

It's tempting, when faced with a setback or unexpected turn, to think: "This is ruined" or "It's never going to work out." But it's precisely those moments when things don't go as planned that can bring the greatest new insights.

Recently, I accidentally spilled paint on a crocheted cushion cover. My first reaction was frustration, as the cover now seemed unusable. But when I looked at it again later, I saw it with new eyes. The crochet pattern reminded me of the design of a dress and the lace shawls often worn by fado singers. Suddenly, the "mistake" became a source of new inspiration.

In the end, I incorporated part of the cushion cover into one of my small artworks inspired by fadistas, giving the cover a second life. The result was not only surprising but also meaningful—a reminder that beauty often emerges from the unexpected.

It's another lesson that when things go differently than planned or go wrong, it often presents an opportunity to discover something new. By observing, going with the flow of the situation, and staying open to what can emerge, we can turn a "mistake" into something beautiful.

So the next time you think something is ruined, take a moment to see what has really happened. Who knows what new creations and insights might arise from it?