workplaceissues.com Monday Motivating Moment: Thorns and Roses

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Beauty.

Monday Motivating Moment

April 21, 2008

Your Weekly Attitude Booster

"Thorns and Roses"

Have you met someone who seems to be so difficult that you want to stay away from that person? Have you encountered a situation that seems to be too intimidating to tackle? Have you faced an aspect of yourself that you dislike so much that you allow it to control what you think of yourself? What do all of these situations have in common? They all have a prickly aspect that makes us want to avoid them, and causes us to see the thorns rather than the roses.

It may be human nature to avoid contact or to not value something that can cause momentary discomfort. We may find ourselves expecting that all of the thorns be removed from the rose before we can enjoy its beauty and splendor. This same expectation may extend to situations or people who are prickly in nature. We avoid them for the same reason that we may avoid a thorny rose... because they can cause some measure of discomfort.

Roses hold a special meaning. They represent love and special feelings for another person. The scent of a rose brings pleasure, the sight of blooming roses may often be seen in splendor, and the touch of a soft rose petal brings comfort. However, the presence of thorns may cause us to recoil and interfere with our ability to appreciate the beauty of the rose.

In some respects, the thorns on a rose can represent obstacles that prevent us from fully enjoying a situation. If our eyes are focused upon the thorns only, then we can't see the magnificence of a situation or opportunity. If our focus is only upon the faults and shortcomings in us, or others, we can't see the beauty of one's true nature and being. However, if our focus is upon the flower itself, and we are simply aware of the presence the thorns, we can enjoy the rose while maintaining a healthy respect for the protective thorns.

So why do roses (and people) have thorns? As with all aspects of nature, there is a reason for the sharp barbs. Perhaps it is to protect the fragile rose, or it may serve other useful purposes. Whatever the reason, when the thorns are removed from cut roses, the life expectancy and beauty of that rose is decreased.

Affirmation for the Week:

“I look for the beauty in the rose, and will respect the presence, function and nature of the thorns. I will gently, but consistently, work around those thorns with an eye on the magnificent blossom.”

Have a rose appreciation week!

Mary Rau-Foster,

Copyright 2008 by Mary Rau-Foster. All rights reserved.
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Read the previous issue - “No Matter What, Do Not Quit”

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