...bE goLdEn...

"When the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold. They believe that when something's suffered damage and has a history it becomes more beautiful." ~Barbara Bloom

In life, we will all suffer "damage" in one way or another. For some, the damage is greater than others. However, it sometimes seems as though the people in life that have suffered the most, seem to deal with their challenges or make something good come out of them better than those of us that are facing small challenges in comparison. Maybe that's because it's harder to feel like small everyday events or setbacks can be shaping us. We see them as annoyances or excuses to complain, rather than an opportunity to change and become stronger in some way.

I believe that everything we do...every decision we make...has a serious impact on the quality and direction of our lives. Because of that, it's important to learn from everything we do and to have an attitude of humility. If we are not humble, we are not teachable. If we are not teachable, we cannot move forward.

No matter the challenge you are facing...whether it's serious or small...life changing or an inconvenience...whether it's in the gym or in your everyday life...allow it to help you grow and become better and stronger. Use the challenges you face like the Japanese use gold. Every time you face a setback or some sort of damage to your body or in your life, visualize making that damage stronger with gold. Allow challenges to make your experience and your life more beautiful and more valuable. See everything as a golden opportunity to better yourself, rather than an excuse to quit!