But I didn't want any lemonade
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
That’s how the saying goes, and I get it. There can be hidden resources and opportunities in what seems like adversity. It pays to get creative and think about how you can move through a situation and turn it to your best advantage.
I think, though, issues can arise when we insist on beaming sunshine via platitudes like this and negating our own suffering, or the suffering of someone else. It’s good to be creative and constructive during a difficult time, but real life is more nuanced.
If life gives you lemons, and your eyes are really stinging from lemon juice, it’s ok to say it hurts.
It’s ok to acknowledge that lemons weren’t what you wanted.
It’s ok to make do with lemonade but still be sad you’re not doing … whatever it was you wanted to do with whatever it was that wasn’t the lemons.
It’s ok. Be where you are. Even if that’s hating on some lemons for a while.
Take care of yourself and others,
Madeleine
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I work with clients from executive leadership teams to the front line, helping them to make clearer decisions about what they want, and adapt faster and more easily to change and transition. I use deep purpose as a key to unlock powerful thriving in work and life.
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