What do you think of this quote? Have you found it to be true in your life?

Question

"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 which has opened for us."

If you don't mind sharing, perhaps you can tell me your story.

Thank you, and have a nice day.

markus: Thank you for saying so. Everyone should be polite whether on here or in real life because it takes very little effort to be nice. :)

Martin Argan...: Yes, I know what you mean, and I do not envy anyone in that predicament. It's like Catch 22.

Raymond T: It is indeed difficult to remember the quote when the situation warrants it but at least you remember it now. And, ymw. :)

Answer 1

Yes, my friend, that quote has never held more true for me than in this past year. I'd rather not go into any detail because this is very personal... but as you asked me to answer, I shall do the best I can.

I am hardly alone in having had my heart broken ("shattered" would describe the feeling more accurately) and never have I felt such pain in this regard as during this past year. Sure, most adults have had to deal with heartache and heartbreak at one time or another but even by that standard this was different.

It took me the better part of this past year to accept that the door had closed... and I stared at it, knocked on it, cried on it, banged on it and otherwise focused all my energies on that closed door... for what seemed an eternity (even now it disturbs my peace of mind at times).

But in the meantime, another door had indeed opened. I almost didn't see it at first... perhaps I didn't want to... perhaps I wouldn't allow myself to let go of the hope of the other door reopening... perhaps I was simply afraid of being hurt again.

I won't go any further with this answer. We've all been there, as they say, though some of us feel more and invest more of ourselves in our relationships than others... So the experience -- and the response -- is quite different from individual to individual. There is no point in comparing.

The thought I wish to leave you with, however, is one of Hope. The belief that ancient quotation wishes to impart is that other opportunities can and will arise in our lives. We may not be able to reopen the closed door but others will open when we least expect it. Losing someone we love is perhaps the hardest thing we are forced to endure as human beings... But we do endure... And new people do come into our lives... We only need to allow ourselves to be ready to open those doors -- nay, our hearts -- to those people and those experiences yet to come.

My life did not end during this past year (though God knows it felt that way at times), my love ended... She is gone now... and I still miss her (I always will)... But someone else has entered my life through another door, unexpected, unlooked for, but most welcome...

I am no longer looking at that closed door. I am embracing the one who came through the newly opened door. Happiness is on the horizon now... and I fully intend to make sure this Love lasts forever.

Answer 2

Believe it or not, I first saw this quote in a magazine I was reading in the Intensive Care waiting room, knowing that my beloved Mom would not make it through that day.

I've always been a rather cynical person who doesn't like 'platitudes', and of course, I'd heard the one about 'when one door closes, another opens'. But I'd never heard the part about looking so long at the closed door, until that day. I have to say that under those circumstances I found it rather profound.

Answer 3

I like that quote a lot! I was in an abusive marriage for 17 years. After putting up with his crap for that long with him "preaching" about "loyalty", he left me for another woman. I was devistated and nearly lost my mind. I couldn't see what a good thing this was. I missed opportunities of finding happiness elsewhere until I met the man I'm with now. He's not the "greatest" man on earth but he doesn't hit me. I'll never put up with that again.

I think I did look at the closed door for so long and I just didn't realize what was waiting for me until I finally decided to open the door and take my first step.

Answer 4

I have so many stories to tell you, but not too much time. Anyway, it is true. More than that, it is not only one door open, there are so many, but they mean change, and we are afraid of change, We would rather stay with whatever we've had from the beginning, even if it is not as good as we would like it too be. We would definitely go and see what is in the other rooms whose doors are open, but, unfortunately, there are no labels attached to those doors, and we are afraid to find out what is there behind those doors.

Answer 5

The old relationship is always looked back fondly and with a rather idealized status. It's hard to see the new person and think how life might be better. Why do we always think of the good times that have passed and forget the hard times that went with it? I think it's human nature that we all are nostalgic. Yes, my story is about a happiness lost but a new one seems to be around the corner, do i dare go around the corner or try the old one,.....one last time?

Answer 6

This is true...I missed a great opportunity to go to Grad school in my town because I was so bummed about not making it into one of the better Grad schools...so now I'm stuck waiting...

Answer 7

We can see the open door only when we are prepared for the new door. It takes time to forget the old door as it needs time to forget, adjust and look for new things. Even if we know there is new door and see it, unless prepared mentally or psychologically we don't see or want to enjoy the opportunity.

Answer 8

A door in my life just closed.... my girl walked out of my life.... and i'm not looking for another door to open...... i don't mind looking at the door forever and ever....

Answer 9

Yes it is true!
When you loose something/someone there is a void that could be fill with other thing/person.
The real conflict is when you are happy and start to open other closed doors... to see what if... and then you like what you see but you are in other's door... so... you know what I mean?

Answer 10

There are a thousand opportunities each day that you can take but unless you are looking you won't see them. When I finished up working in Hong Kong I started a new life in Holland - it was fun and then I went to Canada. Each time I have had a new beginning and each time an old one has finished. I like new beginning because they keep me fresh and on my toes. I can get too stagnant otherwise.