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1.Today I got in a car accident, but I now value life more.
2. Today, I stubbed my toe, but looked down and found my wife's wedding ring we thought was lost.

This concept is called the blank effect. Or, I was struck by the blank of this event that made me see the reality of life in a different way.

I'm thinking unforeseen benefit, or unexpected surprise but they are just both too boring, and I would like one word that captures it. I would like something that more accurately captures the perspective-shift aspect of the event.

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closed as not a real question by Neil Fein Oct 24 '12 at 3:41


Pegasus effect. –  John Smithers Oct 12 '12 at 22:29
Blessing in disguise. –  Aerovistae Oct 13 '12 at 11:26
@JohnSmithers Why Pegasus? –  Lauren Ipsum Oct 15 '12 at 11:15
Brian, what is your question, exactly? How will you decide which answer is the "correct" one to that question? If you're simply looking for one word, I don't think this question is particularly answerable, as that would be purely a matter of opinion. –  Neil Fein Oct 16 '12 at 2:26
@NeilFein: Hmmm... I see what you are saying. Asking for one word probably wasn't the way to go. Is it possible to make word choice questions that has a non-opinionated answer? I'm thinking I'll pick the answer that most closely captured the concept I'm looking for, right? Is the problem that I tried for one word, instead of a phrase? –  Brian Dant Oct 24 '12 at 2:49

2 Answers 2

I would call it the Lemonade Effect. As in, "when life gives you lemons, make..."

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May also be the 'my life sucked turn-point.' But I can't decide whether this Q should be constrained to 'small happenings/a harm hiding good' moments or broadened to 'eye opener/life saver' situations too... –  Mussri Oct 12 '12 at 23:43
@Mussri: I having trouble deciding between your two options also. I am looking for eye opener, but not so big as life saver, and leaning toward harm hiding good –  Brian Dant Oct 13 '12 at 1:28
"Harm hiding good" is "Every cloud has a silver lining." There's also a somewhat relevant dirty joke with the punchline "...there's gotta be a pony in here somewhere!" but it's a little off-topic. –  Lauren Ipsum Oct 13 '12 at 18:59

I'd go with something's "silver lining".

Although I don't think this is quite what you're looking for, you could say it was a "near-death experience" or "out-of-body experience" because most people associate coming back from "near-death with a refreshed view or awakening.

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