JANUARY 28, 2022
EXPERIENCE
“Experience can’t be learned.” Yours truly has come to realize this statement is so true as my own life has been full of fun, exciting and sometimes challenging experiences. (My perception of my own experiences) I look at them as “lessons for life.” It is up to me as to how I react to my experiences and with the people I meet. Frank Sonnenberg asks us to think about this; “Throw away the bad experiences, but save the lesson.” (What lessons of life are you learning from your experiences?) We will all have some bad experiences in life, but as Indira Gandhi tells us; “Every new experience brings its own maturity and a greater clarity of vision.” Are you having wonderful experiences (Based on YOUR vision) or just watching life from the sidelines? Don’t be envious or jealous of those who have more experiences than you. Many of the so called “Rich and Famous” are not ready for all of the accolades and troubles that come with the territory. Set your own vision and work hard to accomplish your own goals. Enjoy and be thankful for your own experiences of fellowship and love with your faith, family, and your work. You are the only one keeping track.
Most of us humans are only concerned with finding those experiences in life that make us happy. “Happiness isn’t something you experience; it’s something you remember.” (Oscar Levant.) What did you take away after that “bad” experience. Did it come with negative and vengeful thoughts of playing the victim or did it teach you something you needed to learn in order to move forward? (Context) “Every experience is a positive experience (there is our Amor fati again) if we view it as an opportunity for growth and self-mastery.” Brian Tracy.
In our society, there is so much information and misinformation; opportunities and challenges; love and hate; that life’s experiences can often be very confusing. We all have so many choices in how we spend our time. For you big learners out there, Einstein reminds us; “Information is knowledge. But the only source of knowledge is experience.” You will need to experience relationships, both good and bad, to gain wisdom. If you are looking for wisdom, review your past experiences in life and see if they have moved you forward or held you back for fear of making the same mistake twice or hanging around the same toxic friends. Don’t let a bad experience stop you from getting back up on the horse.
If you have ceased any personal growth due to a few bad experiences, Ryan Holiday has a few great books on overcoming obstacles in your life. (“Ego is the Enemy;” “The Obstacles is the Way;” And; “Stillness is the Key”) I suggest you check them out as we all face obstacles that prevent us and hold us back in risking more pain and suffering in our lives. In closing out our remarks today, I will leave you with a few other familiar quotes on experience:
“Never regret. If it’s good, it’s wonderful. If it’s bad, it’s experience.” Victoria Holt
“Nothing ever becomes real till it is experienced.” John Keats
“Learning from experience is a faculty almost never practiced.” Barbara W. Tuchman
“Experience gives us the tests first and the lessons later.” Naomi Judd
“People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.” Anonymous
Learn to grow a deeper spirit through your experiences and the people you meet. Remember and practice our Band of Brothers four Pillars of wisdom, courage, self-mastery and love.
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day: “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” Carl Jung