We often hear the phrase "When life throws you lemons, make lemonade." Well I'm adding the next part that I believe gets left out, "Make sure someone gets to drink it."
I believe one of the most empowering things in life is an experience to learn from. Experience is the best teacher, but it doesn't always have to be our own. Those who are wise have learned how to grow from observing the world around them so as not to experience everything for themselves. However this becomes a great challenge when people keep their experiences/stories to themselves. For everything that we face in life there is someone who has already overcome it. The challenge often is connecting with those who have been where we are and connect the dots for us to the future. Therefore often many people are stuck trying to figure out so much for themselves and wasting so much time.
Think about it. What have you experienced in life? What are some of most your most valuable lessons? Who has benefitted from what you have gone through? Who have you attempted to prevent from falling in some of the same spots where you fell?
While everyone may not be able to handle our raw uncut stories, there are people out there that absolutely need them. Nothing can be more gratifying than to have someone learn and directly benefit from one of your lessons. There have been moments where I have shared in detail with another sister something that I have experienced and explained the lesson I got. I have seen the light bulb turn on and the "aha" moment happen. How amazing does it feel to have someone have their understanding expanded that way versus having to feel the pain we felt when we learned the lesson. Sure there are times when people just have to experience things themselves I do believe that, however it doesn't have to be all the time. Think enough of the pains you have experienced to help prevent someone else from feeling them unnecessarily.
Life threw you lemons, you made lemonade. Don't just stash is in the refrigerator, LET SOMEONE DRINK IT!
You are absolutely right! The trials & tragedies we encounter most often have their greatest impact when others, witnessing from afar, are either encouraged, empowered or inspired to reevaluate their next action in light of ours.
ReplyDeleteWhat a profound discovering in the education of life. In the last few years, I have opened myself up to discuss some of my deepest feelings due to my life experience. At one time, I felt so inadequate and ashamed that I didn't want to think about it let alone talk about it. However, I am free of those inadequancies and pray that I can help free someone else with similar experiences.
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