When Lessons Are Learned

Last week was a first for me since I decided that I wanted to make my mark in the wedding industry. Whatever could have gone wrong did, and at times, even though I felt  defeated, I had to remember that with every disappointment there is a lesson to learn. Now, whether or not you choose to “see” or “hear” the lesson is up to each individual. I chose to be open to the lesson and I am glad I did because it has made me realize that no matter how far you go in your career the best way to continue to grow is to learn, accept the challenges before you, and see them as a way to become better at your craft.

It is always easier to give up than to go through the fire. Much like any precious metal before we can really shine, we need to be put through the fire to be refined. Gold does not naturally shine when removed from the earth; it has to go through a process of refinement, which involves fire, sometimes several times before it begins to shine. See where I am going with this? If you have taken away a lesson from the times you have been put through the “fire,” the next time a challenge arises, you will know how to handle with grace and tact. Others will take note. Remember in this great big world we live in we are always being watched by peers, competitors, and most of all potential clients.

In life, there will be many situations that we cannot control. How you choose to handle those disappointments or setbacks, is what differentiates you from others. Now do not get me wrong, last week the no bullshit Naomi would have thrown years of lessons learned down the drain but what would that have accomplished? Nothing but more frustrations and self-disappointment. If I lost control due to a situation I cannot control, that would have been stupid. More so, I would not be able to reverse my actions or erase what I said. Words have power. They are seldom forgotten, and can hurt deeply. No matter how many apologies we offer after losing our cool, it does not change that at that moment we have thrown composure, grace, and professionalism out the door.

Every day and every moment there is an opportunity for us to better ourselves and in doing so we become examples to those around us and to those who may be admiring or watching us from afar. It is so easy to become incensed by a comment made on Twitter or Facebook. Trust me, I have have fallen prey to that. Remember the old adage, “Think before you speak.” Think before you tweet {or Facebook} should also be the adage for our times. I now have way to prevent myself from acting on impulse and it works brilliantly. When I am tempted to respond to something that gets under my skin, I imagine that my dream client or a company, that wants to offer me an amazing once in a lifetime opportunity, is  watching my actions from afar. Nothing puts my hard work and reputation back into perspective than that.

I am no guru and I am not perfect but sometimes when I read posts similar to the one you are reading now, it always comes right on time…as if it were written just for me. I hope what I posted today, does the same for someone. Maybe that someone is you.

The image below is a beautiful reminder of how life should be lived and is a free download you can print and frame. What a lovely reminder to keep close by. You can find it here on Ellinée a wonderfully charming blog with lots of amazing ideas and DIYs. Their online shop is filled with printable goodies for your personal events. Check out it here. Have a wonderful day and I’ll soon see you Inside the Lovely…

To download this print click here.