It’s January 1st, 2019 – Congratulations, we made it! Once again, we are embarking on our next orbit around the sun together. The journey can continue brimming with possibilities or…
Sure we have complex challenges, but what era on this planet has not? Time will march on in our NOW (Naturally Occurring Wonder) moments of creation. With this fact in mind, what will you do? How will you consciously choose to live your life exploring the beyond? Will you choose not to fly, like a bird with a clipped wing, grounded, stunned and left feeling helpless? I don’t believe you will. I see you soaring, reaching beyond the complex challenges in the outer world, connecting to your inner power where you brilliantly create your best life.
I want to share this inspiring quote by Joan Marques, “When it rains, it pours. Maybe the art of life is to convert tough times to great experiences: we can choose to hate the rain or dance in it.”
Story Time – Carrot, Egg & Coffee Beans…
A young woman struggling with life, went to her mother and told her how her life was miserable and hard for her. She was tired of fighting and struggling with her problems and wanted to give up.
Her mother, without saying much, took the young lady to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first pot, she placed carrots, in the second one she placed eggs, and the last she placed some ground coffee beans.
She let them sit and boil without saying a word to her daughter. The daughter wondered what her mother was trying to do while she was complaining about her life. After some time the mother turned down the burner, fished the carrots and the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out into a cup. Turning to her daughter, she asked, “Tell me what you see?”
“A carrot, egg and coffee.” she replied.
“Look closer and feel the carrots” said the mother. The daughter noted that they were soft. The mother then asked her to take an egg and break it. The interior of the egg was hard boiled. Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. Its rich aroma brought a smile to her face.
The daughter then asked, “What does this mean, mother?”
Her mother explained that all the three items, carrot, egg, and coffee went through the same situation, the boiling water. However, each reacted differently. The carrot was strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg was fragile with the thin outer shell and its liquid interior. But after being in the boiling water, it hardened its interior. The ground coffee beans were unique, as it came to the boiling water, it changed the water and gave its incredible aroma.
LIFE LESSONS FROM THE KITCHEN & BEYOND
We all go through boiling water at some point in our life. My question is, how do you respond to complex challenges? Are you adaptable and solution oriented when adversity rears its head? Do you allow yourself to become weak and soft? Do you develop a hardened interior? I like to imagine that you are unique in that you courageously work toward creating positive change in your life. By doing so, your positive influence and energy will expand out into our home planet and beyond.
“Often it isn’t the mountains ahead that wear you out, it’s the little pebble in your shoe.” – Mohammad Ali
Let us each relish the treasures held inside. I wish you a most exciting exploration and a most excellent 2019!
Wow, this is a great way to start off the New year. It all comes out to what we commit to. Beautiful inspiration. I choose the adventure!
Adventure is a most exciting way to go – commit and enjoy the ride! XO
Love life lessons from the kitchen! Bringing it home and making things relatable. Keep up the good work ?
Thank you Christy for your comment and Happy New Year! 🙂
I love this empowering post! As a therapist, I know people can go through the exact situation, yet respond differently. That story somehow made it much more concrete, thanks Debra! Happy New Year. xx
Thank you for your awesome comment Lisa. I’m happy you enjoyed the story. Happy New Year! xx
Wonderful metaphors to start off with a fresh and resilient mindset.
Thanks Trilby – I agree with you that it’s a great way to start 2019 – with a fresh and resilient mindset! Happy New Year 🙂
Beautiful. I love the story. (Just another reason to love coffee!) but so true. Thank you for sharing, I love the quotes as well!
Thanks Ana…coffee stories always grab our attention! 🙂
I’d heard this story before but this is the perfect time to visit it again and find even more meaning in it for the new year.
Good to hear it resonated Barb!
Great hot water metaphor, Debra! Thanks for the gentle reminder to check in with our perceptions. Happy New Year.
Thanks Cindy – Happy New Year living graceful and peaceful. xo
I love the story and the moral, Debra. The coffee’s transformation reminded me of Mahatma Gandhi’s quote – be the change you want to see in the world. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Vatsala and thank you for your thoughtful comment!
Thanks for this thought-provoking take on dealing with life’s challenges…I guess the moral of the story is to keep removing the pebbles as we go. All we can do is put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward as best we can. Uplifting and inspiring….thanks Debra! 🙂
I agree Sally, putting our best foot forward and making choices that support us will always turn out in the end. Thank you for your comment! XO
Great analogy. Over my life I’ve felt like I’ve been all 3. I’ve been through a lot of tough times but am thankful I could always come back to who I truly am. Within that I am able to go through life with a lot more grace and ease.
Thank you for your comment Heather. Courage carries us through many of life’s biggest challenges, strengthening us along the way. Cheers to you for courageously navigating your life.