I’ve always found that Friday is a good day to reach out to prospects over the phone. While some may disagree, I have found that people who are in their offices are typically in a position to speak and are more willing to schedule time to meet sometime during the following week.
Having been on the receiving end of many calls on Friday afternoons, I’ve experienced this from each side of the conversation.
So this past Friday, as in other weeks, my phone time was valuable.
During the noon hour, my time spent became even more valuable as I reached out to a dear friend who lives in Minnesota. It had been quite some time since we spoke, so we were due to catch up after several months.
As we hung up the phone, each of us was inspired and energized by the other. Each of us had dealt with “life’s lemons” in different ways during the past few years and each had much to appreciate from the journey.
We’ve all heard the saying, “If life gives you lemons, then make lemonade!”
While the “lemonade” in our lives may have a variety of different flavors, I’m convinced that we all have experienced situations where we have turned negative situations into victories.
Perhaps you have reached out to embrace a cause or a struggle. Or maybe the struggle found its way to you.
Job loss, family issues, addiction, or a host of other issues may be present in the taste of your “lemonade pulp.”
Regardless of the cause of your challenge, it’s important to take some time out to take stock, give thanks and enjoy the taste of your victory every now and then. And just as importantly one should take the time to share a glass of “lemonade” with a friend who has endured struggles and has overcome.
I believe that “lemonade” is the refreshment of those who have summoned the courage and stamina to endure and overcome. Overcoming struggles produces victories, which produces champions.
Thus, lemonade is the refreshment of champions!
Victory over struggle does not mean that our lives are carefree and that struggles are no longer around the bend. Who could possibly benefit without a little struggle every now and then?
Challenges cause us to endure.
There are times when partaking in “lemonade” during the heat of challenge keeps us balanced, as it reminds us of what we have already overcome.
So to all of you who have overcome struggle and endured, I raise my glass of lemonade to you, in salute to a job well done!
Random Moments at Specific Times 
Jeff,
I’ve also been hit with my share of lemons in the past few years. Through a lot of hard work, faith and help from friends and colleagues, the lemonade is getting sweeter and more plentiful every day.
Thanks for the inspirational thoughts. Keep them coming.
All the best,
Jeff Malarik
Jeff,
Thank you for taking the time to read this post and for providing your comments. Like you, I’m abundantly thankful for my faith, family and friends!
Having known you for a while, I can say without a doubt that your clients in Northern Ohio are in very good hands when it comes to their insurance and investment needs.
May your lemonade continue to get sweeter and more plentiful.
I salute you for turning lemons into lemonade!
Thanks again for stopping by.
Regards,
Jeff
Over the years my life experience has definitely proven that the struggles have been our greatest growth opportunities. Though while we are going through them they might not be pleasant, looking back they have been blessings!
Ron,
Thank you for taking the time to read this post and for providing your comments. I definitely agree with you! Blessings sometimes sneak up on us disguised as challenges, once we have time to look back on them.
I salute you for turning lemons into lemonade!
Thanks again, for taking the time to read this post.
Regards,
Jeff
I loved your inspirational Lemonade blog about seeing our life’s challenges in a more positive light. I couldn’t agree more.
Personal challenges or defeats will always cross our paths, it’s how we meet them that defines our character. Usually those challenges are planting tiny seeds of future victories or opportunities too!
My personal challenges have boosted my confidence and my self-esteem. They have also taught me the rewards of patience. Challenges usually also give us the opportunity to conquer our fears and to learn to prevail under pressure.
What a great topic to post on a blog. It was very inspiring to read. Forced me to count my blessings for what I have learned through my personal life lessons and what I’ve gained through my life lessons.
Tanya,
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post and for you kind comments!
What you’ve mentioned about patience is so true! I still struggle with patience on a consistent basis. In fact, I often joke that I would like to receive paitience — but I want it RIGHT NOW!
Thank you, once again, for reading this post and enriching it with your insight!
Regards,
Jeff
Jeff,
This post reminds me of the Lemonade Movie: http://lemonademovie.com/
You should check it out if you haven’t.
Great post and keep up the great work!
Chris J
Chris,
Thanks for taking the time to read this post and for providing the link.
I have heard of the Lemonade Movie before and think it’s a great project. The movie definitely addresses the job loss lemons in the lives of many.
Thanks again for reading this post and enhancing it with your comments and the movie link
Regards,
Jeff
Jeff,
Nice posts. Apart from personal struggles, your post made me think of a book I am currently reading: Team of Rivals (Abe Lincoln http://wp.me/pBhtB-84 ) The “team” there certainly had their share of lemons and went on to accomplish much.
Thanks for sharing.
-jack
Jack,
Thank you for taking the time to read this post and enriching it with your comments.
Team of Rivals is a phenominal book and went into much more detail than I ever knew about before regarding the Lincoln administration.
The only regret I have is that I purchased the book in audio format. I’m planning to go purchase a copy of the book in the next few months when I get caught up on my readings, so that I can enjoy it in written form.
I like your parallel and enjoyed reading your recent post, as well.
Thanks again, for taking the time to read this post and for enriching it with your comment.
Regards,
Jeff
Jeff,
Perseverance is what makes us champions, and that potentially sour fruit called the lemon is naturally sweetened by our victory of accomplishment.
We’ve all heard the story of the tiny mustard seed, which when it takes root, grows into the largest of plants. Such is the same with our endurance. Ants and rubber tree plants, too.
There is nothing we can’t do, conquer, or accomplish without this perseverance.
So go ahead and pour a glass of lemonade…you’ve earned it.
Julie,
Thanks for taking the time to read this post and providing your excellent response.
We can all lift up a glass of lemonade in victory!
Thanks again for your response!
Regards,
Jeff
Occasional defeats make the victories taste much, much better…
thanks for the post!
Todd,
You are absolutely right! If we didn’t have to break a sweat during the course of our challenges, the lemondade would definitely not be as refreshing!
Thanks for taking the time to read this post and providing your response.
Regards,
Jeff