Be like a Diamond, a Pearl and a Swan

WORK – That four letter word that can either be a joy to someone but a pain on the ass to another. It can be something one truly loves and enjoys or something that another just has to bear with. Sometimes, it is of both worlds.

Nevertheless, like everything else in life, it will always boil down to your attitude towards it.

I remember a story shared to me by a colleague of mine that should reflect one’s work attitude. He recently reminded me about it when I was complaining about something that just was not favorable to us at that time.

He told me, “be like a diamond, a pearl and a swan.” And this is definitely worth sharing and blogging about especially that I could not find this story on the internet.

Be like a DIAMOND

Fact: Did you know that before a diamond becomes its beautiful entity, it was once made out of carbon or, in Filipino, “uling”? It must go through under high temperature and intense pressure then would quickly rush down towards the earth’s surface to cool. Through the years, this process brings the crystal transformation that becomes the diamond.

Lesson: Being a diamond is not just about its perfection and beauty. It’s essence is in the process of improving yourself through time from hard work, withstanding all the pressure from all around you and eventually, as Rihanna would sing, shining bright like a diamond.

Be like a PEARL

Fact: A pearl is produced inside clam shells. A clam shell would usually settle on the seabeds to get food from its sorroundings. Once it's open, it creates wave pressure that causes particles such as dirt and sand to go inside the shell, thus, leading to irritation. The shell’s reaction to the irritation is that it produces a tear-like particle on their mussels which grows and becomes the pearl.

Lesson: A Pearl is a product of irritation. Irritations, bad vibes, discomfort… These things are inevitably part of work. Accept irritation and turn them into redemptive growth experience.

Be like a SWAN

Fact: Swans are animals known for representing elegance and beauty. Above the water, they appear to move so gracefully but they actually have to paddle hard underneath to stay afloat and to not drown.

Lesson: Like a swan, no matter how much you are struggling, no matter how hard you feel inside which may be brought about by work or life itself, you must stay calm on the surface and show that you have have grace under pressure.

Personally, I believe I am still yet to realize and practice knowing how I can become a diamond, a pearl and a swan. I have an issue when it comes to handling really bad and stressful situations especially with the kind of work we have. Honestly speaking, I tend to get pressured a lot that would result to me whining or complaining, wondering if this is still truly for me or I should just quit.

Then again, I just have to constantly remind myself that whatever bad vibes or uncomfortable situations I may experience at work, I must learn to withstand and understand pressure while staying calm and collected in the surface while learning from these experiences so I can grow to a better person. I do know this will help me in the long run especially if I aim to someday become a legitimate leader.