5 Ways To Turn Lemons into Lemonades

Life has so many challenges that can bring anyone down, but it’s important to find ways to turn your tragedies into strategies

I remember starting out my first job at one of the biggest media companies in South Africa in 2012. It was one of the best experiences of my life because this is a career I have always wanted to leave a positive impact in. But things turned sour, as my bosses made me question my writing skills and had eventually let me go. I went to another company and the same thing happened. And I experienced the same thing at the third company. The funny thing is that my experiences at work have a common foundation: female bosses who I used to look up to but have managed to cut the ladder for me to climb up. I was disappointed because I have witnessed many women preach about women and black empowerment but do the opposite behind their office walls. My consolation from this experience is that I have learned an important lesson of the kind of boss I don’t want to be one day when I become a business woman. If anything I hope to help instil a culture of young people building and uplifting each other because that is the only way we, as black people can really move forward and build our nation and economy. The other thing this experience showed me is that I am strong willed and have an unshakable faith in God. A lot of the experiences I have faced have shaped me into the person I am. I am not saying that challenges don’t hurt, they do, it’s just that I believe somehow you get stronger, if you don’t allow trials to break you down. There are many inspiring sayings I live by and one of my favourite is from the late David Brinkley who says that a successful (wo)man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at them. This is how you can overcome challenges:

Pray: Whatever your faith, it’s important to tap into your spirituality and talk to the Divine Forces. Find time in the morning or before going to bed and pray about what you are going through.

Allow your friends to be there for you: Good friends and families are there for a reason, allow them to be there for you and offer you the support you need.

Remain positive: This might seem impossible, but it’s important to focus on the positive side of things. What we focus on expands, so try to put your attention on the positive things you want to experience.

Use the power of positive affirmations: Make time to repeat the things you want to attract in your life and say them with faith. Repeat to yourself that the situation you are going through will pass and believe it. Life has a way of giving you want, whether it’s positive or negative, so make sure you are conscious of your thoughts, words and actions.

“Always stay gracious: Best revenge is your paper.” Queen B said it perfectly in her hit single, Formation from her latest album, Lemonade. Don’t make your enemies happy by giving in to challenges, kill them with kindness and silence. Slay in your lane and never give up on the purpose you believe you are born to fulfil. No one has the power to dim your shine, unless you allow them to.

How have you overcome your challenges? Share in your comments below.

Image: The Odyssey Online