The Past Serves You

Over the years we’ve all bad things happen to us, could be a small issue or a life event. None the less Life has a unique way of happening, yet with all the issues which arise have you ever thought life is happening for you? Life can bring us to our knees at times however each time there is a message in each issue. The pain we experience can manifest into many forms-but we can make a choice to either let an event defeat us or define us.

Spending time dwelling and living each day in that place can leave a person with out faith that tomorrow is going to improve. We can spend time “living” in negative emotions which does not change the situation or we can choose to think differently, it is our choice. For every life event we need to place blame on an external condition causing the pain.

Before we point a finger placing blame we might want to also look at the good that came out of each challenging situation and give credit for all good and bad challenges. We all have a part of us which is part of our initial DNA, developed from an event that happened at some point in life, and has made us to the person we are today.

Years ago I worked as an apprentice in the building trades, I was fortunate to learn from a seasoned professional. A friend of mine was able to do the same, however the journeyman he was working with at the time had little patience for mistakes. When you’re new to any business there is much to learn. Each day my buddy got chewed out for something he’d did wrong, yet at the same time he would get encouragement to keep up the good work?

A confusing start of a career to say the least. But his partner was one of the best in the business, well rounded and could do any part of the job, never complained or said a time frame to complete a project was not feasible. He just did his job to the best of his ability day in and day out. Watching him work would humble you. In the trades your are respected for a solid work ethic. My friend would end the day with his head hanging low, at the time it seemed unfair. One day we were having lunch and we were discussing the job, my buddy was blaming his current situation on the guy he was working with.

A bit later I was working on an unfamiliar part of the project and did not know which direction to go, my friend came over and made it look so simple, I was so grateful for the help. I said to him…So for all the aggravation you experience every day you are learning more than anyone on this project.

Today my friend is one of the best in the business, his work ethic can’t be matched, he is a well rounded seasoned professional with passion to help and teach his profession. Each apprentice who works with him knows he is firm and demanding but not hard to get along with. My friend remembers how he was treated when first begun in the trades…So now he always treat others with the respect he wants to receive.

Looking back realizing he would not be the man he is today if he’d worked with someone else. At some point in life we all go through pain which seems unfair. People will come into and go out of your life, some will help you some will hurt you, it’s part of life. As difficult as it may seem they are there to serve you, and help you to become the person you were meant to be.

Take one day at a time, remember everything happens for a reason and a purpose and it serves you!

 ~Stay Strong~