Enough already and stop killing perfectly happy, sunny lemons!
Often we hear the old adage ‘when life throws you lemons, make lemonade’ – it’s a classic phrase to encourage a strong mental attitude and bigger picture perspective. The object of course in this idiom is that when challenges or troubles come your way (the sourness of the lemon), you take those and transform them into something more useful and productive (a sweet and refreshing drink). This old saying has been faithfully accepted without question yet it’s easy to overlook some sour seeds within.
Think for a moment what it takes to transform lemons into lemonade. First, you slice open the lemon, squeeze and pulp the juice, add sugar, stir, chill, and serve. In the end, you discard the rind and pulp you don’t want – they remain the more ‘sour’ parts of the lemon. Viola! What once would cause you to pucker now delivers a cool and delightful shot pleasing to the pallet. You’ve got the picture and even if you’ve never made lemonade from scratch, you can probably taste that cool glass of nectar on one of our recent hot summer days.
Look deeper though and think about what this old saying subtlety says. To turn life’s lemons into lemonade means that when life’s crises or challenges come your way, the key to transforming them is to throw away the parts you don’t care for. The process of making lemonade is one that ultimately discards much of the lemon itself. By slicing it open, selecting only the parts you really want (the juice and some pulp) and throwing away the rest, you really aren’t turning the lemon into lemonade you’re simply picking the part of the lemon that suites you best. Isn’t this what we often do in our own lives when faced with a problem? We ‘look for the silver lining’ (another familiar idiom) in order to select and focus on the positive and discard the negative. In doing so we often miss the true lessons and wisdom that life is offering in that moment. In our pursuit of feeling better about our situation by focusing on the positive, we completely overlook other elements that may in fact hold the key learning for us.
Consider that the entire lemon is a thing of beauty with so much more to offer. Each lemon, like each one of us is unique – one of a kind. Even though you might look at a bag of lemons and believe they’re all the same, look closely and you’ll find that’s not true. Each problem or challenge we face is equally unique. There may be similarities to other situations, but there are also important differences – differences meant to offer a lesson.
What that means (to return to the metaphor then) is that when you seek to destroy the lemon on your path to making lemonade, you ultimately throw away parts of its lessons you should be paying attention to. Making lemonade is actually not a very productive use of the lemon because you discard the significant parts of it. Consider the possibility that the ‘left-over’ parts of a situation you are hoping to get behind you may be hiding the essential truth or lesson you are meant to have.
So next time someone recommends you turn your latest lemon into lemonade, think about what you may be tossing in the trash. Take your future lemons at face value and don’t try to change them into something else. Contemplate their essence and seek to more fully understand and learn from them. Then after you’re satisfied you’ve embraced the true and complete lessons they offer, sit down and have a nice, icy-cold glass of lemonade to celebrate.
I believe in the transformative power of human connection to elevate joy, restore balance, and support inner healing as you seek your highest purpose. My purpose in life is to be a guide, to share the wisdom of the Universe I’ve been gifted with, and to see others succeed. Nothing brings me greater joy than to see others step into their purpose in a vibrant and highly energetic way.
Searching for deeper insight into your highest life purpose? Trying to find your true path and discover how to step into your gifts and be aligned with your own truth? I offer a range of services focused on offering you insight and support on your life’s path. Check out www.connect2action.com for more insight and services.