Everything Happens for A Reason

I used to hate when someone would say everything happens for a reason. At the time I did not understand what that statement really meant.  

One meaning for the statement everything happens for a reason is that most things that happen in our lives are lessons. We can either learn from these lessons or continue to make the same mistakes.  

The second meaning for everything happens for a reason is that certain things that happen in our lives steer us in a certain direction.  When I originally had a health crisis, I thought why me?

Looking back on it now, I know that it led me to my current path becoming a health coach.

What do you think? 

​What does this statement mean to you?