Ever find yourself in a situation thinking, “This sucks”? Maybe things didn’t go as planned, or unexpected factors threw you off. At first, it might seem like the experience is completely ruined - but it’s rarely the situation itself that ruins things. Things happen, often out of our control. It was our perception of the situation that was ruined.

After all, we choose how to internalize experiences. Our minds create expectations that need to be met, and then the stories we create in our minds decide how we react. Are our experiences ever truly ruined, or do our expectations simply clash with reality?

Take, for instance, a streaker at a sports game. You arrive at the stadium, ready for hours of excitement. You’ve got your seat, your snacks, and your mental energy focused entirely on the game. Then, out of nowhere, someone sprints across the field, disrupting everything. The game pauses, the players lose their momentum, and the crowd gets restless. On paper, it sounds like the experience is ruined. But is it?

Many fans actually find moments like this to be the highlight of the event. It’s unexpected, hilarious, and unforgettable. What initially seems like a disruption becomes a source of excitement. The streaker didn’t ruin the game, they added something new - even if it wasn’t part of the original plan. Those who enjoy the experience have simply reframed the situation in a way that makes it meaningful.

What if we approached life this way? Of course, streakers are a harmless example. But the same mindset can apply to larger challenges - a flat tire, for example. Maybe it’s a chance to pause, take in your surroundings, and reset perspective? The experience itself doesn’t change, but how we choose to see it can transform it entirely.

When we take control of how we frame our experiences, life becomes more meaningful. We stop letting the environment dictate how we feel and start deciding for ourselves what matters. Instead of seeing setbacks as disruptions, we can treat them as opportunities for growth or even enjoyment. The streaker becomes a funny anecdote, the flat tire becomes a moment of mindfulness.

Ultimately, the power lies with us. We can choose to let external factors control our emotions, or we can reclaim that control for ourselves. When we dictate the experience, we shape the story. And in doing so, we create a life filled with unexpected moments that are worth embracing.