Nothing Happens by Chance: Understanding Karma, Relationships, and Life’s Timing

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

There was a time in my life when everything felt like it was going wrong at once. Plans fell apart, relationships became strained, and even small things seemed to carry an unexpected weight. I remember wondering, why is this happening to me? It all felt random — almost unfair.

But as I sat with those moments, I began to notice a pattern.

The people I met, the situations I found myself in, even the delays that frustrated me — they didn’t feel accidental anymore. It was as if life was quietly reflecting something back to me.

That’s when I truly began understanding karma in life — not as a distant philosophical concept, but as something deeply personal. I started to see that every experience — whether joyful or difficult — was connected to choices, actions, and intentions, sometimes from long before.

In that realization, something shifted.

Instead of seeing life as a series of random events, I began to see it as a continuum—where every encounter, success, setback, or delay carries meaning. And perhaps, nothing really happens by chance at all.

The Role of Karma in Relationships

Over time, I’ve started looking at my relationships very differently.

Earlier, I would often feel confused — why certain people came into my life, why some stayed, and why others left after causing pain or disruption. But as I reflected more deeply, I realised that these connections may not be random at all.

There were moments when I felt emotionally drained by someone’s presence. Instead of reacting with frustration, I began to ask myself—is there a deeper karmic connection here? Maybe, in some way, I was settling an old equation.

There were also people who showed me unconditional love and support. With them, I felt an unexplainable familiarity—as if that bond had existed long before this lifetime.

Even small experiences — like being criticised at work or making unexpected mistakes—started to feel less like coincidences and more like karmic patterns resurfacing.

This shift in awareness helped me respond differently. Instead of reacting instantly, I began to pause, observe, and choose patience over frustration.

Understanding Karma and Life’s Timing

One of the hardest lessons for me has been learning that everything unfolds in its own time.

There were phases when I felt stuck—when things I deeply desired simply didn’t happen, no matter how hard I tried. It felt like life was holding me back.

But looking back, I can now see how those delays protected me.

I remember someone close to me going through a long and difficult relationship, followed by years of loneliness. At the time, it felt painful and unfair. But eventually, it became clear that the delay wasn’t punishment—it was protection from something far more damaging.

That’s when I began to understand karmic timing.

Delays are not failures. They are part of a larger plan we may not fully understand in the moment. Slow progress, I’ve realised, often builds something far more stable than quick success ever could.

Reacting vs Practicing Right Karma

I’ve also become more aware of how I respond to situations.

Earlier, my instinct was to react—especially in moments of conflict or negativity. But those reactions often created cycles of stress and emotional exhaustion.

Now, I try to pause and ask myself: what is the right karma in this moment?

There have been times when I’ve had to face difficult people or uncomfortable situations. I’ve learned that sometimes it’s necessary to stand firm with calmness, and at other times, the wiser choice is to disengage and focus on my own path.

Not every battle needs to be fought.

Some are better understood—and then released.

Karma, Life Lessons, and Personal Growth

There have been moments when opportunities didn’t come through, relationships didn’t last, or life didn’t go as planned.

Earlier, I would question everything.

Now, I try to accept that these experiences may be part of my karmic lessons. Perhaps I, too, have caused delays or disappointments in the past, and life is simply restoring balance.

Short-lived relationships no longer feel like failures to me. I’ve started seeing them as meaningful intersections—moments that came with a purpose, taught me something, and then moved on.

Even my definition of success has changed.

I no longer chase quick wins the way I once did. What comes easily doesn’t always stay, and what takes time often builds something lasting and meaningful.

How I Practice Right Karma in Daily Life

I’m still learning, but there are a few principles I consciously try to follow to stay aligned with right karma:

• I protect my self-respect, no matter the situation
• I focus on long-term growth instead of short-term setbacks
• I handle distractions with patience and awareness
• I make a conscious effort not to cause emotional harm
• I continue my efforts even when results are delayed
• And when needed, I choose to let go with acceptance

It’s not always easy—but it feels more peaceful and grounding.

The Power of Acceptance in Karma

Perhaps the biggest shift within me has been learning acceptance.

When I began to see life through the lens of karma, it became easier to let go of unnecessary anger, fear, and resistance. Not everything needs to be controlled or questioned.

Some things are meant to be experienced, understood, and then released.

This understanding hasn’t made life perfect—but it has made it lighter.

Now, instead of feeling stuck in situations, I try to move through them with awareness. I focus on doing what feels right, protecting my energy, and trusting that everything is unfolding as it should.

And maybe that’s what this journey is truly about—

not controlling life, but aligning with it.