SUCCESS BREATH

When Life Hands You Lemon Use the Seeds to Plant a Whole Orchard

  

 “Oh What a Beautiful Morning, Oh What a Beautiful Day”

I wish that we could all wake up feeling like that song from Oklahoma every day: “I’ve got a beautiful feeling. Everything’s going my way.” But, as we all know, that’s not possible.

Sometimes we wake up on a ‘wrong side of the bed’. We might be blue, anxious, overwhelmed, out of synch or angry. The list of possibilities and ways to describe a feeling that is “out of sorts” is extensive and maybe different for each one of us.

Having posted the last article, I became curious about the person who coined this proverbial phrase and ode to optimism. And I discover it was written in 1915 by Elbert Green Hubbard, an American writer, publisher, artist, and philosopher who met early success as a traveling salesman with the Larkin Soap Company. I’m also fascinated with what other writers and philosophers have added to this thought to make it even more profound. Ron White, a stand-up comedian, added, “I believe when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade…and try to find someone whose life has given them vodka, and have a party.” But, what really resonates with my life philosophy are the words of Anthon St Maarten, an international psychic medium, destiny coach and author of the bestselling book Divine Living: The Essential Guide To Your True Destiny. He said, “When life gives you lemons, you don’t make lemonade. You use the seeds to plant a whole orchard – an entire franchise! Or you could just stay on the Destiny Bus and drink lemonade someone else has made, from a can.”

The meaning of the superficially simple yet truly deep cliché is easy enough to explain. If something bad comes your way, don’t let it get you down. Instead, turn the “bad” into “good.” Don’t be pessimistic, but optimistic. Don’t let it bog you down, but keep moving forward. If you ever go through something, hold your head up. Because that which has not kill you will make you stronger!

Though the meaning may be simple, just how to create lemonade from lemons is something altogether different and exceedingly more difficult. It isn’t just as simple as adding a spoonful of sugar. Every one of us knows that when we feel as though we are in a depressive unhappy mood, breaking through to the sunshine is tough. Just as there are many different recipes for making lemonade, there are many different recipes for turning the blues into bright and satisfying yellows and reds.

Here are some ideas for you to apply when you’re trying to turn your bad mood around:

Recognize the bad mood for what it is.  As you go about your daily life, you will encounter many lemons. Sour expressions, sour attitudes, sour auras! The good thing is that if you don't want to be a lemon, you don't have to be! Just don't let those lemons rub themselves all over you! Don’t hide from your negative mood and pretend it’s not there. Your bad feelings will come out in another way if you do. When I’m in a bad mood and don’t face the reality, I find myself being intemperate and impatient with others. And, the others don’t know why I’m not my usual more relaxed self. The fact is, you can’t make lemonade without acknowledging that there are lemons.

Think about the positive side of whatever is provoking you. Just as lemons are sour, they add flavour, colour, delicious texture and smell. Likewise, negative situations often have a sweeter side, though it’s not always easy to find that sweetness or, stated another way, the positivity in a negative situation.

Here’s a great day-to-day example. When I was struggling to attained university education, I was upset for many reasons, not only the totalling of the poverty to which I was born, but also I know how to cry myself to bed because there was insufficient resources to accomplish my goals. Many times I was stop from writing exams because of school fees. But, despite those negatives, there were positive aspects. I learned to have faith in God. So, I made bold to say that even the awful situation in right now had some positive ramifications.

Remember everything that is good and beautiful is around you. Even when your life looks like it’s full of lemons, there are bound to be some positives surrounding you as well. Look for the positives. Stand back and gain perspective. Remember, even the bad times are going to pass.

The fact is, life is full of lemons. Some times are more difficult than others. But, by focusing on the good in your life, the love of those around you, and the natural beauty surrounding us, you will find yourself in a far more positive place. 

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