Stop Blaming the People Who Hand You Shit Sandwiches

You’re not the victim.
You’re the one holding the fork.

The Wake-Up Call

The insight came during a conversation with my best friend and gym partner. He’s one of the few people in my life who tells it straight.

He said: “Keep eating the shit sandwiches until you like it.”

That hit different.

Not because I wanted to eat them. But because I realized I’d been blaming the people who were handing them to me. As if they were the problem—not the fact that I kept showing up hungry.

That’s when it clicked: I wasn’t setting boundaries. I wasn’t learning. I was just chewing through resentment.

What Is a Shit Sandwich?

It’s being disrespected at work. Getting passed over for promotions. Getting a flat tire and realizing you forgot to put the jack back in the car. Being told you’re "overqualified" and realizing you came off arrogant.

It’s any moment where things go wrong—again.

And instead of asking why, you blame who.

Why Blame Keeps You Stuck

Blame feels good at first. It protects your ego. But it keeps you from growing.

Every time I pointed a finger, I gave away power. I focused on how bitter it tasted instead of what it was teaching me.

Ownership Changes Everything

I started asking better questions:

• What did I ignore?

• What part did I play?

• What boundary did I let slide?

Some jobs? I walked away. Some people? I stopped letting that close. Some struggles? Not worth the cost.

I still get tested—but I don’t stay stuck.

What Accountability Looks Like

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about owning your inputs:

• Your preparation.

• Your patterns.

• Your reactions.

It’s about keeping your word—especially when no one is watching.

Turning Lemons into Lessons

Some sandwiches you can’t avoid. Life will serve them up whether you’re ready or not.

You can gag on them and stay bitter. Or you can chew slowly, extract the lesson, and walk away wiser.

Either way, it’s still your decision.

Final Word

Blame is easy. Ownership is power. Gratitude is the shift.

Not for the flavor. But for what it builds.

You’re not here to keep swallowing what isn’t meant for you. You’re here to learn, rebuild, and move forward with strength.

Choose what you bite into next—on purpose.

— Skwally