I was doing some contemplating this morning and thought to share with you. My mom is in the hospital, in critical care, on life support. My sleep has been violently interrupted: my mind seeks to find meanings, plans of action, and connections through my entire life. As I work to focus and cling to the hope that she will pull through, I step back for a moment and find myself realizing the enormous amount of pressure this situation has placed upon me.
As I was unpacking and organizing some old things in my new abode, I came across a quote I had posted in front of me during the season I was pushing to start Richmond Wellness and grow myself personally: “Effort not to acquire, but to become.”
When the pressure is on, what is inside of you and I is what will come forth and shine. Both coal and diamonds are formed under immense pressure and have basic chemical similarities – but their crystal structures come forth differently.
The internal work we do to define and condition how we respond to the pressures around us will determine .. coal, or diamond?
Which would you prefer?
We get to choose.
You get to choose.
Sure, both coal and diamonds have purposes, and that is good. Consider the differences. The main one sticking out to me is that yes, coal provides heat, but it burns up. Gone. Done. Diamonds are strong, they can cut through things, they last .. a lot longer than coal does 😉
I’ve always tried to look at each challenge in life as just that – a challenge, not a problem, not a “situation,” but a challenge, and one in which I seek what I could learn and glean from it as a level of competency for handling the challenge grows within me that I can then use to help others going through a similar one. I’m finding a greater level of compassion for all those around me than I ever have, and I know I’ve got messages I have to share.
What about you?
If I can assist you in any way, reply to me with any questions you have, I will be more than happy to answer them and help you along your way!
Peace and blessings to you,
Aubrey
Aubrey Eicher
owner/personal trainer, Richmond Wellness
richmond-wellness.com