Bad things – they always happen to good people, or so we are told.  But every once in a while something fantastic comes around to a very good and deserving person.  I think we tend to focus on when bad things happen to good people because it tends to be unfair and undeserving.  It fills us with guilt, sadness and frustration.  But what happens when good things do happen to good people? What do we feel? What does it do for us?

In my own experiences hearing of a friend getting their dream job, or being selected for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, or getting a prestigious award has filled me with such admiration and celebration.  I find that knowing someone achieved something they’ve been working toward makes me even happier than when something good falls into my lap. I find that when good things happen to good people there is a reminder that life isn’t as cruel as we are always reminded that it can be.  We are capable of whatever we can envision and yes there are sure to be bumps in the road, but as long as we keep moving on that road, it’s all good.

When the people around me are succeeding and happy it pushes me to do better. I think it’s because we all relate through our struggles and our dreams.  There is some type of universality in what we struggle with and what we strive for.  When we see someone work hard for their dreams and the spark sets off the fire, it makes us feel that the same is possible for us. More importantly, we see the hard work pay off and the struggle was worth it and the obstacles in our way were merely builders to who we are and what we are doing.

We will all face bad things.  Life is inevitable.  Time is inevitable.  And what those two bring with them are loss, struggle, fear and doubt, but also celebration, achievement, excitement and dreams.  It’s all a big magician’s hat that at random draw something horrible can happen, but with the very same chances something wonderfully beautiful can, too.  Those struggles, as cliche as it sounds, make those wonderful times more appreciated and enjoyable.

When good things happen to good people, it reaffirms that being a good person is reward enough and that the world that we live in can be pretty spectacular.  So be the best person you can be, when those good things happen to you, it’ll be even better!

The great moments of your life won’t necessarily be the things you do, they’ll also be the things that happen to you. Now, I’m not saying you can’t take action to affect the outcome of your life, you have to take action, and you will. But never forget that on any day, you can step out the front door and your whole life can change forever. You see, the universe has a plan kids, and that plan is always in motion. A butterfly flaps its wings, and it starts to rain. It’s a scary thought but it’s also kind of wonderful. All these little parts of the machine constantly working, making sure that you end up exactly where you’re supposed to be, exactly when you’re supposed to be there. The right place at the right time.
– Ted Mosby, How I Met Your Mother