We all have struggles from day to day, but that is the life journey of which we all know. Whether it is our business, our families, or our selves, the struggles are real. A good friend sent the poem, “The Guest House,” by 13th Century Persian poet, Rumi. I believe there are some current lessons to be reminded of within these words.
This being human is a guest house
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.
Making a quick transition to the 21st Century book, Strengths Based Selling, authors Rutigliano and Brim offer seven points to sharpen strengths and manage weaknesses:
Is it possible to adjust or change the roles of our clients as guests? What a difference each of us could make in the world if we could change roles and think of every person we serve as a guest in our own home.
I recently told a non-profit board that everyone sells, whether we want to think about it that way or not. We need to build the right partnerships, be transparent and communicate, and focus on outcomes which include our individual talents…ta da! Easy right! Sometimes the simplest suggestions are so difficult to implement because we are human.
Think about the Rumi’s words from a different perspective. It might help with the ups and downs we ALL feel on a regular basis. Because we are human it is impossible to achieve entirely, but our lives and businesses would improve if we took Rumi to heart just for a few moments each day.