If Life Hands You Lemons…Make Really Good Lemonade

Every now and then, we are presented with a situation that, for a lack of better words, throws us through a loop. We are blind-sided, punched in the gut by this situation that came out of nowhere. In times such as this, it is very easy to become lost and confused, not knowing what to do next in life.

For example, a friend of mine was on the way to achieving her dream job—this was no easy feet for a woman of her young age.  She is one of the hardest working individuals that I know, always going the extra-mile to get the job done. Then one day, unexpectedly, she was called to meet with her boss. She walked into her boss’ office with confidence, sure she was going to get the promotion she’s been waiting for. However, things did not go the way she planned. Instead of her promotion, she was laid-off.

Life threw her a major ‘lemon’. She didn’t know what to do. Of course she needed to get a new job, but the job market was extremely difficult and she had bills to pay. Although disappointed and stressed, my friend did not become discouraged. Instead, she focused all of her energy on finding ways to provide for herself and achieve her dreams. She woke up each day as if she already had a job, and hand delivered her resume to potential places of employment, making her presence known that she was available for hire.

Long story short, she was hired a few weeks later, at a higher position and with higher pay. Her story encourages me to not let setbacks in life hold me back from achieving my goals. At times, life will give you lemons…really sour, face cringing lemons. However, it is important to remember that from these lemons, you can make really good, sweet lemonade. Life is what you make it. Adversity is the greatest key in unlocking success. Regardless of how hard or painful life is, we need adversity to learn and to grow from. Again, how we handle these situations makes all the difference. Instead of moping and becoming stuck, use the situation to motivate you for something greater. Decided to learn from your problems, and apply those new understandings to your life.

So, you’re thrown a lemon. Go out and make some kick-butt lemonade. As a matter of fact, go out and sell that lemonade! Share your experiences with others, encourage them that everything will be okay. Keep your head up, sit back, relax, sip your freshly squeezed lemonade and enjoy the view.

PinkCaboodle

Maya is owner of Pink Caboodle, specializing in Fashion and Body Positivity.