Going through my divorce almost 8 years ago, I sought the council of a wonderful psychologist who helped me pick up the piece of my jagged life. I went to her to find my strength and courage; it seemed I misplaced them somewhere. One meeting, as we searched together and I was babbling on about how I was “too scared” of this and “too fearful” of that, she stopped me and simply asked, “Elena do you know how steel is made?” What? She’s asking me about steel in the middle of my emotional meltdown? Who was nuts here?
Well, as only she knew how to get me from pandemonium to calm, she went on to explain. She said that to get steel, raw materials are crushed, combined and put to the fire. The materials are liquefied becoming moldable and pliable; emphasizing the need for more and more heat. The hotter and more intense the fire is what helps creates steel. We think of steel in its physical form and strength, not thinking how it’s made or what it takes to become that strong. It was a great visual for me and I was very thankful for the analogy she used. This was a conversation I never forgot.
It’s that conversation that gets me through an entirely different set of circumstances year later. I hear stories from the front lines of small businesses every day and their trials. All one has to do is turn on the news to know the strife our country and world is facing. Many are struggling to find their strength and courage. Many need to know how steel is made.
Has anyone ever said something or used an analogy that helped you on your journey? I’d love to learn what gives you strength and inspires you.
(I can happily report that my strength and courage were found all those years ago and haven’t been lost since. Every time I feel a little weak or a little timid, I think of how steel is made and know it’s going to be alright. Thank you Joanna.)
P.S. – The video above is wacky neato!
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Twitter: BetsyKCross
says:
Hey Elana,
I was thinking of gold and diamonds, too. You know? Heating gold and pouring off the dross? And how diamonds are made under the crushing weight and heat of the earth from coal. Makes you think! All great analogies. The message for me? There’s no way around but through if you are to become what is already there on the inside. The “process” or refining fires of life are necessary to purify and strengthen NOT to break us. Helps me when I’d rather walk away or crumble and avoid certain pressures that try my self-esteem.
Thanks for the beautiful and powerful reminder today Elana!
Betsy
Oh, I love what you had to say here Betsy!! My goodness, very profound! This is one of personal, favorite post because it was something I never forgot through a very dark time. Gold and diamonds are a great addition!!! Now, I’m even more excited because there is strength here and beauty and what a perfect match! “Purify” key word here my friend… ah, thank you!!
I love how you think … you never cease to amaze me and add such richness to things … thank you!!
Bluest skies to you,
Elena
Elena Patrice recently posted..“Wounded But Not Conquered.”
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Yes, Elena. I’ve a friend who once told me that “Life is like a coin, you can do anything with it in any way you want but you can only spend it once.” I was taken aback by how true that statement was That’s why I made a promise to myself to truly value everything that is important to me and live everyday like it’s my last so when the end comes, I would have no regrets.
I’d give you another one for keeps, similar with the one you mentioned. “Life is like photography, we develop from negatives.”
Love, love what you wrote here Dr. Doebler – thank you! Your friend was good and gave you very sage words to reflect on. I pray that you are living life to the fullest with limited regrets, if any. THAT is a life well-lived.
Love the treasure you left here – another memorable one – THANK YOU!
Here’s to lives lived to the fullest and much happiness,
Elena
Elena Patrice recently posted..63 Year Old Drummer Rocks the House! | Lessons for an Entrepreneur.
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