Diamonds and graphite.  Chemically, they are made from the same element: carbon.  The difference is their ‘structure.’  Diamonds are hard, very hard.  Very difficult to break, crush or compromise.  Graphite is soft.  Think lead of a pencil. You use it to write another person’s thoughts down on paper. Diamonds are transparent.  Graphite is opaque. You know a diamond when you see one. They sparkle.  Diamonds have the highest melting point of anything.  It doesn’t take much to melt graphite.

Oh, and no one is ever proud of their graphite jewelry.

Do you see where I’m going with this?

The fork in the road for these carbon-based solids comes with pressure.  Extreme pressure.  The diamond is formed from this heat and pressure.  Graphite just stays stable, and does not transform.

What are you?

I have come to believe the challenges we face in life are the very things we are supposed to learn from and gain strength and knowledge from. That gives us the strength to help others conquer these same challenges.  Impervious to the pressure, diamonds continue to shine–sparkling from the inside out.  Be transparent–its healthier for everyone.  People like to know what you are made of.

Accept difficulties in your  life as a conductor that makes you HARDER, BETTER, FASTER, STRONGER (Thank you, Kanye) People know diamonds when they see one.  What do people see when they look at you?  Do you feel sparkly?

Meditate.  

Be Grateful.

Exude happiness. Fake it til you make it if you have to.

Listen, I’ve had my own graphite days. It took a serious seismic shift to turn me around.  I conquered those challenges and found more positive in me.  And.  I have flaws.  Because, quite frankly, no one likes a perfect 10.