Last September, I returned my car to the Rental Car Center at Phoenix Sky Harbor only to discover the terminal for my scheduled departure was shut down due to a bomb scare. Shuttles were no longer going to the airport. By the time I learned my plane had taken off empty, all outgoing flights for that day were full. I’d spent the three previous days attending a writing conference, and though I was anxious to return home, I found myself stranded overnight.

After weighing my options, I asked someone from the writing conference to pick me up whom I’d always admired but didn’t know well. As it turned out, I had an amazing visit, drawing closer to my friend and engaging in many inspirational conversations. Turns out my cancelled flight was a blessing in disguise.

A second example occurred in January. After months of migraines and neck pain, I met with a neurologist. We had trouble communicating from the start, exacerbated by the fact that I have a complicated neurological history. By the end of my visit, I’d received two injections in my head and was scheduled for two more a couple of days later. After receiving the second set of injections, I mentioned that I’d kept an appointment with my chiropractor the day before. The doctor got angry and insisted if I wasn’t going to do exactly what he said, it would be best if we parted ways. Shocked and speechless (mostly), I agreed.

At first, I thought being thrown out by the neurologist was a bad thing, but I’ve come to realize it too was a blessing in disguise. I’ve been able to find other doctors who’ve assisted me in my treatment. And even though I’m still seeking answers and relief, I’m confident that I’m on the right path. Looking back, I can see that I would’ve continued to have problems with the neurologist.

Sometimes events in our lives might not turn out the way we planned. The best thing we can do is try to figure out what lessons we can learn from our circumstances. Of course, not everything bad turns into something positive. But often, if we take the time to ponder the unexpected detours, we might just discover the divergent path has been a blessing.

Words of wisdom from The Rolling Stones: “You can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, you might find, you get what you need.”