It’s true, many women in our town are jealous of her. And to the outside world she does look…well…perfect. She is a successful financial advisor in her own firm, gorgeous, with a beautiful home, a handsome husband and two smart accomplished daughters. Because she works out regularly she is in AMAZING shape and wears clothes that most 55 year old women could never get away with. When she walks down the street, men driving by get whiplash checking her out. Oh yes. She is perfect.
Or is she?
Because I am her close friend, I know the “back story.” I know the struggles with health issues, the unhappy marriage, the betrayal and the fears that she keeps hidden from the world. We share our painful memories and the embarrassing experiences that we never share with anyone else. With each other we can be real, flawed and desperately imperfect.
And I wonder. If these people who resent or envy her knew about the things that have happened to her, the pain she has suffered and the courage she demonstrates every day of her life, would they feel less threatened by her? Would they be kinder and more relaxed in their interactions with her? Would they be more…compassionate?
I don’t know who originally said it, but whenever I find myself starting to get annoyed, jealous, frustrated or resentful of someone, I stop and remind myself of this powerful thought:
Every person you meet has a story that would break your heart.
It instantly makes a brilliant case for compassion.
To book motivational speaker Linda Larsen for your next event, contact her at 941-927-4700 or go to www.lindalarsen.com
