Don’t forget your struggles

The sweat smell of success mixed with happiness is an exhilarating feeling. The bumpy road getting there is sometimes forgotten and placed inside a dusty shoebox under a bed to be discarded. It is easy to bask in the glory of present accomplishments but should you forget your personal struggles in getting there? When you see someone having trouble in career planning or personal relationships should you empathize with them or just be thankful it’s not you? You may choose to ignore your past but don’t look down upon others who haven’t arrived to the blessings of personal and professional fulfillment.

I am a regular volunteer with “Dress for Success” an organization for women returning to the workforce after personal hardships. The organization provides interview attire and career counseling for women. The women come from all ways of life and for many of them it is a humbling experience. I have watched some women walk into the boutique very sad and frustrated with job searching but leave very satisfied with the assistance we‘ve offered in helping them to look their professional best. I can recall vividly how hard it was for me to find a job and the year it took me to find a new one. I try to keep this into perspective when I find myself getting beside myself in thinking I’m on top of the world. Humility is something I continue to hold dearly in my possession.

In terms of personal relationships rehabilitating from a bad boy addiction and finding a nice guy is very rewarding. However, if you still have some single friends try to understand you were once in their shoes instead of criticizing them for not having a mate. Your girlfriends need your support throughout all the ups and downs they experience while dating. Just think of “The Sex and the City” character Carrie Bradshaw her female friends were here rock during all the trying times in her relationship with Mr. Big.

Overall, none of us are immune to the struggles life can bring so utilize the lessons you have learned to encourage, uplift and inspire others.