This morning at the pool, I met someone remarkable. Her name is Wendy. She’s in her late 70s, with a smile that could light up the cloudiest day and an energy so warm, you can feel it from across the water. What struck me most wasn’t just her vibrant presence—it was her story.

We hadn’t even finished exchanging pleasantries when Wendy shared something profound. “I was hit by a car a few months ago,” she said casually, as though mentioning she’d been caught in the rain. “And here I am, still swimming. Isn’t it a miracle?” It stopped me in my tracks. A miracle indeed.

But as I looked at her, immersed in the clear blue water, something else resonated even more deeply. “You being alive and here in the pool is beautiful,” I told her. “But the bigger miracle is your attitude. So many people endure hardship, but not everyone finds gratitude on the other side of it.”

Wendy’s outlook wasn’t just inspiring—it was transformational. Her simple yet profound perspective left me with a thought I couldn’t shake:

The greatest miracle in life isn’t what happens to us. It’s how we choose to see what happens.

Shifting the Lens on Hardship

Life rarely goes according to plan. It has a way of throwing us curveballs—some small and some that knock the wind out of us. Wendy’s accident could have left her broken, bitter, or resigned. And honestly, no one would have blamed her. But she took a different path. She met adversity with gratitude, turning pain into purpose.

This isn’t a skill that comes naturally. Our minds are wired to look for danger and dwell on difficulty. But here’s the good news—we can train ourselves to see the world differently. Research in positive psychology suggests that fostering gratitude can rewire our brains, enhancing our resilience and overall happiness.

Perspective isn’t just about sugarcoating tough situations or denying hardship. It’s about choosing to see what’s still possible despite them.

Why Perspective Matters

When we’re faced with challenges, our perspective acts as the lens through which we process them. With this in mind, ask yourself these questions when the going gets tough:

• What can I learn from this? Every setback has the potential to teach us something valuable.

• What is working in my life right now? Even in the hardest times, there’s usually something—however small—that remains a source of stability, joy, or growth.

• How can I shift my focus from loss to possibility? Pain and possibility often coexist. Acknowledging both can help you move forward.

Wendy didn’t focus on the physical toll her accident had taken. Instead, she celebrated the fact that she could swim—something that brought her joy and vitality. (Me too!) She looked forward instead of backward and turned her attention to what was still within her grasp.

The Transformational Power of Gratitude

Gratitude is often seen as a fleeting feeling, a momentary thankfulness for events or possessions. But Wendy’s story highlighted something deeper. Gratitude isn’t just a reaction—it’s a decision.

When we choose gratitude, we find beauty in the everyday. We begin to view each breath, each kind word, each small victory as a gift. Gratitude doesn’t erase hardship, but it can coexist with it, bringing light to even the darkest moments.

Take a moment to think about a challenge in your life right now. What if you reframed it through a lens of gratitude? Instead of focusing on what’s been lost or what’s hard, shift your thoughts to what has been gained, what remains, or what can be learned.

Turning Pain into Purpose

Wendy’s story reminded me that the real miracle isn’t just surviving adversity but thriving in its aftermath. What if we viewed hardship as an opportunity for growth instead of an obstacle?

Some of the most inspiring stories throughout history are of people who turned pain into purpose. Think of those who’ve created charities after experiencing loss, written books after enduring struggle, or simply chosen to wake up every day and try again despite the odds.

These aren’t extraordinary people—they’re ordinary humans with extraordinary perspectives.

When we reframe pain as purpose, it doesn’t diminish the difficulty. Instead, it allows us to grow bigger than the challenge.

Finding the Miracles in Your Life

Wendy gave me a gift that morning at the pool. She reminded me that miracles aren’t confined to the extraordinary. They’re woven into the fabric of our lives every single day.

Think about it—the fact that you’re living and breathing, able to read this, is miraculous in itself. The birds singing outside your window, the warmth of the sun on your face, the people who care about you. These moments might seem ordinary, but when viewed through the lens of gratitude, they become extraordinary.

Wendy’s radiant spirit didn’t come from escaping hardship—it came from choosing to see it differently.

Your Turn to Reflect

What miracle can you find in your life today? Is it the sunrise you woke up to, the strength you brought to a difficult situation, or simply the fact that you’re here, trying again?

Take Wendy’s lesson to heart. Life will always have its share of twists and turns, but how you choose to see those moments will shape your path forward.

Next time you’re faced with a tough situation, remember this truth Wendy so beautifully embodied—miracles aren’t just about what happens to us. They’re about how we choose to see it. Keep looking for them. You’ll find they’re everywhere.