The poem you're about to read is what inspired me to say: greet every experience like a chance or a teacher, if not a friend. Even sorrow has its light; beautiful things grow out of the worst times.

Just ask anyone who's known loss, and who's taken that pain and used it for their own betterment, or in service to others.

Hardship is part of being human. It's why we know the meaning of the word healing, and joy. It's also a means through which we come together, and grow.

Though it's hundreds of years old by now, the following piece by the beloved Sufi poet Rumi speaks truth without wasting any words (as was his style).

May it inspire you like it inspired me, to welcome whatever you feel like a guest in your own home.

The Guest House

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 whatever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

— Jellaludin Rumi,
(translation by Coleman Barks)

. . .

Tell me:

What experience in your life has proven itself to be a guide, though it didn't seem like it at first?

Tell me in the comments. Whatever you share here could be exactly what someone else needs to see.

With you,

Jen

P.S. For emotional support in tough times, get my Healing Heart Space guided meditation. Give yourself 30 minutes of whatever it is you need.