Can I Throw The Lemons Back?

 I read a quote that was something like this…when life gives you lemons, throw them back…hard. This was sort of the inspiration for the title of this blog Only I don’t want to throw them back! I did that this week and it was not a good look for me, so I think I’ll go with the quote that was more like “when life throws you lemons make orange juice and make them wonder how you did it.” All that to say our reactions matter. They really do and when we run on emotions (and I often do…it’s who I am), your reactions are definitely not upholding your true values and intent.

I am still not done processing the above travesty (yes, I am also overdramatic too), but what I do know is running on emotions alone got me a whole lot of nowhere and was not a good look for me with my boss... yep I had this travesty at work and now I’ll have to work to prove myself and rebuild my credibility and intent and the values I hold so dear up all over again. I basically demolished three years of blood, sweat, and tears over one emotional outburst because I was hurt and angry that I feel I go so far above and beyond for those I walk beside that I felt outraged and personally attacked by what was meant to be feedback to help me go a little (or lot if you ask my boss) differently down the path.

I can tell you a couple of things about this though. I don’t take feedback well… but let me clarify, initially. I chew on it and process it and utilize it (mostly) later but man I do NOT take it well at first and this was NEWS to me as I never stopped to think about it that way. The second thing I learned is that no matter my intent, the other persons perception is all that matters (totally not fair, but life isn’t, right?) I mean why does your perception get to convolute my good intent? Regardless, it does…did I say that’s not fair? And the last thing I learned was as personable as I am, work is not the place for that. I want to be the best leader I can be and show I care and be a friend, mentor, advocate and boss but those things don’t mix for me as I can be way too open and honest (HR doesn’t like that at most companies) and I get it…it WILL lead to problems.

So what am I going to do about this? Fix it. Write out my thoughts, create an action plan and follow through on it. Show myself some grace and mercy, the same amount I give to others (it’s a lot) and quit thinking I need to be perfect…even heroes aren’t perfect, that’s boring! All I know is I have to pick myself up, dust myself off, hold my head up high and fix my crown. I started late in the game with good old corporate America and I now know people want to see me fall, fail and take my place. Can I guarantee those things won’t happen? Nope! But I can learn and fight for what I know I believe in and show them what I’ve got.

So throw your lemons life, I’ll make me some lemonade and find a friend with some tequila to party with as Ron White would say!

I hope to find the time to share my journey of growth and learning with you all as things progress. First writing it out benefits me, but more importantly, hopefully the things I learn and share along the way will benefit someone else as well.

~Squeeze The Day