Be Bitter Or Be Better

Every one of us has gone through things in our lives that have tested us. Things that we thought were unfair, criticisms that were not called for, or tragedy that we were not ready for, and after the event were left with our own feelings and emotions and the decision as to how we would let these situations impact our future.

I am always challenged by the life of Nelson Mandela and on his release after 27 years in jail, he said this;

“As I walked out of the door towards the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison”.

How often we allow people and situations to dictate the way we feel and define our future, when really it is our choice to react, or respond. Tough times and people have been put their for a reason; to test our commitment and to teach us lessons about ourselves that we would never learn if everything was good.

That doesn’t mean that their behaviour is right, it just means that we are the ones who make the choice as to how we respond and we determine the length of time that the issue impacts us.

Nelson Mandela went on to say;

“During this time I discovered things about myself that had been locked away for years. My passion, my inner strength and burning desire to simply make a difference in the lives of people. It was as if someone had hit me on the head with a hammer and started things working again inside of me”.

So consider me your hammer today – because it just doesn’t matter what people say or do, look for the lessons that they are giving you for free, and grow to be a better person because of them.

Stay positive because the world needs you!

Des Penny

Founder – Director Innovation, Growth & Strategy