I once caught a line from a movie that really stuck with me: “It’s one of the benefits of bad luck. It teaches you to pivot.” There’s definitely some truth there. Life can throw us off track, and sometimes it feels like it does so over and over again. As a middle-aged Indian gay man, my journey has been anything but straightforward. But you know what? Bad luck can really have its perks. I’ve learned that bad luck, as unwelcome as it can feel, is also life’s way of giving us a gentle (and sometimes not-so-gentle) nudge toward new possibilities.

Looking back, I can see so many unexpected moments. Growing up, I often felt like my identity was this hidden secret, and it put me in some tough spots. I watched others live their truth while I felt trapped, only catching glimpses of the freedom I craved. But amidst all those struggles, I picked up some valuable lessons. Bad luck isn’t a wall. It’s more like a bridge. It opens us up to new experiences if we just have the guts to take that first step.

I’ve also had my fair share of disappointments in love. Heartbreaks that hit hard, making me wonder if love was even meant for someone like me. Each heartache felt like the end of the world, shrinking my hopes. But life has a funny way of surprising us. Each heartbreak pushed me to rethink what love really was and how it felt. Gradually, I understood that these setbacks didn’t mean I was unworthy. They were preparing me for something deeper and more meaningful. Each stumble offered me a chance to be kinder to myself. It reminded me that my value isn’t defined by anyone else.

When it comes to my career, it’s been an exciting adventure, for sure. After nearly two decades in advertising, I’ve experienced a wonderful mix of ups and downs. Being seen as “different” at work has often fueled my creativity, especially in this dynamic industry. There were times I felt like the odd one out. Those moments helped me recognize the unique contributions I make. Eventually, I learned to celebrate my quirks as amazing qualities. That feeling of being out of place inspired me. I embraced my true self in my work. I grew more confident in sharing my ideas. Often, fate simply twisted things in a way that led me to pause. This allowed me to truly appreciate what I bring to the table.

One big takeaway I have is that bad luck builds resilience. It gives us a boost of courage when we least expect it. Every setback I faced wasn’t just a stumble. It was a chance for me to discover a deep inner strength. I found a quiet confidence that I could handle whatever came my way.

Today, as I look back, I see that every twist and turn has come together to make a bigger picture. These bumps in the road have taught me to let go. They have shown me to find the beauty in the unexpected. Most importantly, they remind me to love myself even when things get tough. Bad luck has rough edges. Still, it delivers lessons we didn’t even know we needed. It shows us what we’re capable of. It gently nudges us toward a life that’s even better than we imagined.

If life ever feels like it’s ganging up on you, take a breather. When every step feels heavy, just pause. This is not the dead end it seems; it is life calling you to pivot and explore new paths. I won’t say it’s going to be a walk in the park but trust me, it’s a journey worth taking. One day, you’ll look back and see that all those detours and missteps helped you evolve. They nudged you to become the person you were always meant to be.