“Don’t let a hard lesson harden your heart.”

—Sophia A. Nelson, American Opinion Writer

Image of a hard fist

image from Flickr by Giulia Forsythe

Consider the following list of “hard lessons,” and others that have occurred in your life:

  • The breakup of an important relationship
  • Being fired from a job you enjoyed
  • The failure of a business or entrepreneurial venture
  • Loosing a good sum of money on an investment or purchase
  • Missing out on a promotion or a job you really desired

What are some typical responses for you or those you know when such events occur? I often hear people say things like, I’ll never do that again! or You just can’t trust… or What’s the Use? I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up!

Unfortunately, when we engage in such heart-hardening decisions, we actually shoot ourselves in the foot. Hoping to protect ourselves, we keep ourselves from achieving the wonderful things that make life so worthwhile.

EXERCISE:

How and in what ways can and will you remain more open-hearted and open-minded in the pursuit of the extraordinary life you desire?