I wear a ring on my left hand that says esto también pasará. In English it means this too shall pass.
I found it the day we spread my father’s ashes over a valley just outside his hometown of Mexico City. It’s a familiar phrase he used to say to me whenever I was going through rough times. He’d comfort me by saying it first in Spanish, then in English. To assure me that this is just a moment in time and that better things are yet to come.
But since his passing, I’ve found this mantra to be useful in every moment of my life, including the happiest of times. It’s so easy to take the good times for granted. It reminds me of the impermanence of our lives and to treasure the moment.
It reminds me that people, relationships, situations, and things are constantly changing. Constantly evolving. And that situations that feel unpleasant or difficult may actually be the best thing for us.
So I no longer see these words of wisdom as a way to “wish” away the moment and wait for a difficult situation to pass but rather to remember that every situation, every encounter, good or bad, can inform and educate us. Every moment has value.
Since launching WANA International, we have encountered issues that we never could’ve foreseen. Issues that we could’ve only discovered by going through the process, which is the case for any new business venture. And I’ll admit that going through it has not been easy but by confronting and dealing with each issue, we’ve found and developed skills within ourselves that we never even knew we had. Skills that are necessary for the growth and success of our company.
So whether you’re feeling on top of the world or you’re at a low-point right now, seek to find the gift and remember — this too shall pass.
So how about you? What helps you recognize the gifts in your life, even when times are tough?
Ingrid Schaffenburg's Blog 
Beautiful post, Ingrid. Your dad must have been a remarkable man, unsurprisingly.
When times get tough I remind myself that resistance and challenges can make us stronger, and tend to crop up before things blow up in wonderfully positive ways.
Thanks for all the awesome work you’re doing! And for this post. 🙂
You’re welcome August! And thank you for being a part of it 🙂 And it’s so true. Right before a big breakthrough things can seem almost unbearable.
Beautiful! Great memories came back to me, and you know? My dad used to say the same!
He did!? Oh, how I miss them both 🙂 Miss you Toni!!
“Every moment has value” and something can be learned and applied from every situation. We simply need to be patient and willing to adapt while looking for the possibilities. Great view, Ingrid!
Thank you George 🙂
lovely post and beautiful tribute to your dad. I like to remember that things always work out in the end. it’s just a matter of waiting for the end.
Yep. And at the very least, be at peace with the meantime. Thanks Louise!
My father says this too (in English). I’ll think of it both ways now, from now on.
It’s a beautiful saying. Something about it just makes you take a pause. Which is a good thing:)
Hi Ingrid, what a lovely tribute to your father, and indeed, it is so important to savor the good while it’s going on and not take it for granted. You are doing such an AMAZING job with WANA International, it’s been a great experience working with you. Onward!
Thank you Rachel!!! The best is yet to come 😉
A while ago I had one of those moments when I realised where I am right now is exactly where I’m supposed to be, and if I’m not further it’s because there’s still more learning to do. It was a really freeing thought. Thanks for the beautiful reminder. Also, it’s a big deal what you guys are doing with WANA, so power to you for persevering with the tough stuff.
Thank you Alarna. I’ve learned that perseverance in the face of adversity is key. We just have to keep going 🙂
Love it Ingrid.
For me, hindsight is the biggest reminder I give myself. Hindsight that in the best of times, the worst of times and everything in the middle, I’ve always learned and grown. And that always when I look back on something – whether it be 6 months or a year later – I do so with greater understanding and appreciation for the role that it played in my getting to where I am in that moment. Everything in life happens in perfection! Even the tough stuff.
HUGS!
Beautiful Natalie! I just love your outlook on life. If only everyone gave thanks for the good AND the bad in their lives we’d be much better off as a whole. XOXO
I always try to remember that until I hit the proverbial wall (challenge), I won’t reach down for the strength to go around it. There’s always a ton of great stuff on the other side of that wall. 🙂
I think you two are doing a bang-up job!
Thank you Jenny! You’ve been invaluable to us. Really! I can’t wait for things to REALLY take off 🙂
Indeed, Ingrid, a beautiful post. Of course, your post reminds me of our exchange regarding the freedom of each moment, of experiencing or being rather than attaching. I continue to explore what Deepak Chopra calls Moksha or “choiceless awareness,” the absence of preference, allowing one the freedom to respond. It’s absolutely fascinating to me.
As for WANAInternational, the class offerings are unique but specific to writers’ needs; I am registered for class on scene and sequel in August. Best to all of you in this endeavor.
Karen
Thank you Karen! We are working at revamping the site so you’ll see lots of new stuff in the months to come. Hope you enjoy your class and yes, freedom is all about non-attachment 😉 It’s a nice place to be in.
beautiful! Thank you for this! I needed to hear those words today.. one more time.
I’m sorry Ingrid, for your loss. I know what it is to loose a father.
lena
Glad my words resonated with you 🙂 And so sorry for your loss as well. Death is such a difficult thing to accept and comprehend but finding and being grateful for the gift is one of the best things we can do for ourselves.