Yesterday, I had a conversation with one of my dearest team members. She was struggling to find a place to live, couldn't land another job that would cover her living expenses, and was about to end a toxic relationship. Her voice was filled with panic and desperation, and it broke my heart to hear her in pain.
As she shared her worries with me, I couldn't help but empathize with her. Her story was just another version of my own story, as I too am struggling to figure out my life after losing everything in the Marshal fire. I had to rebuild my handmade jewelry business from scratch, and it has been tough. Many pieces of jewelry had to be revised and sent back to India, and many pieces were not selling. I too am fighting the fear of failing and how I will survive if I do. I too have been doubting everything I have put my energy into to rebuild our business, especially my own abilities.
But as I talked with her, I realized that the wisdom I had for her was also something I needed to hear. When a door closes, it's a sign for making a change or going in a new direction. Each challenge can be an opportunity for growth and learning. And this growth is painful! We rarely love the feeling of sitting in uncertainty, even when we know we will “grow” from it. Gradually, she began to see that there are still many paths open to her, and she can walk down any of them.
I shared with her my own fears about life and how I try to navigate it with a perspective that gives me hope and sometimes even joy. It's not easy, and it's often not my first response, but in my heart, I know that opportunities often lie beyond the closed doors and the unimaginable challenges. My journey has been shaped by my biggest challenges, but it has also forced me to make choices along the way that have led me to a life full of adventure and challenging experiences that I use as my own personal buoy when I feel like I'm drowning in despair.
As we talked, I found myself opening up to her about my own struggles. I told her about the dark days I have when I feel like giving up and how I use those days as motivators to dream about what is possible. Because it is all possible. When we see beyond the closed doors and open up to new possibilities, the darkness fades, and light finds its way through the cracks.
So, my friend, if you're ever feeling lost or uncertain, remember that you're not alone. We are all facing challenges in life, but it's how we respond to them that shapes us. Remember that every closed door is a chance to pivot and grow, and our journey is shaped by the choices we make along the way.
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