Not long ago I read the interview of a famous Italian CEO. The interview was centred around her life and career. Being one of the few women at that time who had such rapid growth in the corporate world at a young age, many admired her.
Then tragedy struck and she lost her position and had to start from scratch. She exited the company, started again on a different path and has grown something else – not as fanciful as her previous job but more rewarding and attuned to her innermost desires.
What caught my attention however wasn’t the interview per sè, but what she wrote while sharing the article on her social media handle. She said that the things she learnt during that period of adversity were invaluable and incomparably more rewarding than whatever she was doing previously.
During the days of her adversity, she got to know herself, discovered her repressed passions and desires, understood how to treat others and built something she likes and enjoys. She learnt simplicity, humanity and humility – qualities she didn’t find in the young lady that was flying around the globe and sitting on boards directing the affairs of a multinational company. In fact, she said that looking at that young lady, she feels pity and a bit repulsive towards her.
You may be sad because of failures, losses, disappointments, setbacks, lack and the crushing currently threatening your life. But if you pay attention, you’ll see that this crushing moment will bring out the juice in you. I’m not talking about becoming more productive afterwards, but the real you which was fastened to the stocks by arrogance, pride and selfishness gets unchained and emerges out of the rubble after now. The imperfect and fragile you that you had hidden from the public and refused to embrace will be free.
The self-awareness, love and care for others, consideration, empathy, thoughtfulness and understanding that result from those ‘ugly’ experiences are beyond what books and podcasts teach. They are lived experiences that endear you to others. You’ve been there, so you know how it feels and what it takes to come out of it. Sorry, you won’t easily assume to know how to get out of certain things anymore, you only share your experience and encourage anyone to try that path.
You’ll also realise what truly matters in life – peace with God and people.
The lessons we learn (if we truly learn) during adversity are invaluable. You’ll get to appreciate them when you’re finally out of the woods. I pray you learn and come out better.
Psalm 119:71 – It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
