Why the inside matters: a surprise lesson from squeezing an orange
Recently, I attended a professional development course and we were asked as a group -
'If life squeezes you, what comes out?'
Which is a rather alarming question at 9am 🧐
It was quickly followed with -
'Squeeze an orange and you get orange juice.'
I was then asked if I would ever expect an orange juice to give 'apple or raspberry juice’ etc. I replied:
"No but we currently live in an era where robots might have feelings so I wouldn’t be surprised."
The lady ignored my remark and asked how we know an orange will give you orange juice.
I quickly realised I was supposed to say
IT’S BECAUSE IT’S THE INSIDE THAT MATTERS! 😌
It felt a bit long winded at the time, I would have preferred to offer an ‘interesting fact’ and get back to checking emails under the desk.
WHEN LIFE SQUEEZES
Today, I found myself in the unfortunate position of watching the news in a dingy waiting room. The news is something I try to avoid at all costs for the neuroplasticity (if this meanings nothing to you, please watch this.
And I am ᴛʀɪɢɢᴇʀᴇᴅ. When did everything get so depressing?
Then I randomly started thinking about orange juice. It’s actually a great reminder of why the inside matters.
TV blaring, life was squeezing. I felt negative. Fed-up at some of the news headlines we are seeing in 2022. Recession, unstable government, war, death. All in a nice little morning package sent out to homes and devices at 9am. 🎁
MAKING ORANGE JUICE
We can't always control external events. Sure, we can turn the TV off but life is going to find other ways to squeeze you. I recently left my full time 'safe and sensible' employment to pursue my outdoor clothing brand Ryde and I have felt... the squeeze.
What's important is that despite my circumstance, stressors, bad day or sh*t traffic - I don't project on those around me.
You can't only be a good person if your circumstances are good.
You can't lash out on others because you're feeling bad.
You can't only show up for people when it suits.
It defeats the point.
I concluded the following ways we can all do our bit to remain orange-y:
THE FIRST STEP STARTS WITH YOU
Stay mindful of what you let in, peace can be a lens through which you see the world. Cleanse what has access to you 24/7 - whether it's content, media, people or non stop notifications #DoNotDisturb
Help yourself, keep the inside healthy. Your mental health is more important than your career, bank balance, other people’s opinions and that Christmas event you said you would attend, combined.
Help others and have good intentions. People are getting squeezed in ways you won't even know about, be kind. More importantly be kind for absolutely no reason, watch how you feel after.
Support charities, causes - those who need a hand. Do your own research on topics. Stand up for what you believe is right.
When life squeezes, make orange juice 🍊
*Similar vibe to when life gives you lemons
