Every living thing is either growing or dying—there’s no standing still. Growth is what life’s all about, but let’s be real, it’s not always smooth sailing. There’s a reason it’s called growing pains. Just when you think everything is finally falling into place, life throws you a curveball. And usually, it hits when you least expect it.
But I’ve come to believe that the universe doesn’t give you anything you’re not ready for. In fact, when life feels calm and easy, maybe that’s the universe quietly preparing you for your next big leap. Growth isn’t random—it’s a divine setup.
Ever since I wrote The Cleopatra Effect, my mantra has been everything happens for you. I know, I know—it’s not always what people want to hear, and it sounds patronising, especially when they’re in the thick of something painful. But for me, it’s the one belief that brings comfort when things seem to be falling apart.
Because often, they have to.
When we’re committed to growing, things sometimes have to break—old identities, limiting beliefs, patterns in relationships, behaviours at work. It’s through the cracks that we see what’s no longer serving us and we get a chance to take some accountability. It’s rarely about the situation itself—it’s about what it reflects back at us. The universe holds up a mirror, showing us where we need to change.
And change? That’s rarely easy. We cling to the familiar, point fingers, feel like victims. But that’s where growth stalls. You might slap a plaster on the pain and carry on—but if the lesson isn’t learned, the same story will repeat until it is, and that can often take a lifetime.
So here’s my take: see every challenge as an opportunity. Ask, “What is this trying to teach me?” Find the silver lining. Take the lesson. Make the shift.
Try and enjoy the growth, even when it feels tough. Pat yourself on the back for responding differently than you might have in the past. That’s progress. That’s evolution. And trust me—the universe is watching and rewarding you accordingly. Every time you show up, learn the lesson, and choose better, you’re moving forward. And that, in itself, is something worth celebrating.
To live is to grow. It’s not always comfortable, but it is a privilege.
Nisha x