‘You went out in search of gold far and wide, But all along you were gold on the inside. ~ Rumi
In essence, while it is human nature to avoid pain and suffering, what I keep discovering is the challenges and the disappointments I face, are actually a catalyst for my growth, and right now in these difficult changing times, we are all being asked to meet the present with steadiness, humility and devotion to our higher self, and more importantly to remember, these times are a necessary filter to transform me into something more, and to receive the goodness of life more fully.
‘Once, a man came to Rumi, distraught and complaining about the hardness of his heart. He felt that the world and the experiences he had faced had made him harsh and unfeeling, and he was unable to find any joy or love within himself. Rumi listened and then told him to visit the goldsmith.
The man was puzzled but did as Rumi advised. He went to the goldsmith and observed him at work. The goldsmith took a piece of hard, unyielding gold and placed it in the fire. The man watched as the gold softened in the intense heat. Then, the goldsmith took it out, placed it on his anvil, and began to hammer it, shaping it into a beautiful piece of jewellery.
After observing this, the man returned to Rumi, who explained, “Like the gold, your heart has become hard. But when it is placed in the fire of trials and difficulties, it becomes soft, vulnerable and humble and only then, can it be molded and shaped into something beautiful.
Do not fear the hardships of the world; let them transform you and strengthen you, and allow you to spread more kindness and love.’
Biography of Jalal al-Din Rumi in 13th-century Konya
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Truth… tough as it may seem to be. 🙂 🙏🏼
Yes that’s it Eliza. It is tough but worth it 🙏🏻🧡💜
A beautiful story Karen, one that we all will see and feel as we are moulded by those difficult things, and the love and wisdom they share. Thank you for the wisdom kind lady 🤗❤️🙏
Yes! Moulded by the fire and hammering of life, which liberates us into something more. Thank you Mark 🙏🏻🧡☘️🩵
Great story, Karen. I do find that the tough times where you end up going through a very dark tunnel are the times that teach us so much about life and ourselves.
It really does. The challenges push us to reveal the deep inner layers of resilience and peace. Thank you Michele 🙏🏻💜🧡
So true Karen but a hard pill to swallow at times. Our experiences become empathic tools to assist, comfort and encourage those following behind us as Apostle Paul says likewise shares in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
I agree Ash. As we alchemise the past, step by step, we learn how to refine and reveal the spiritual being that we are.
This was a good reminder, Karen, thank you.
Thank you Jet. I appreciate your comment 🙏🏻🧡🩵
❤️ the troubles can also be the joys.
Yes so true. Once we move through them it absolutely becomes our freedom. Thanks Ali. 🧡🌈
💜🪶
🧡🌈🧡
The opening photo and the Rumi quote pair so well together, Karen–a perfect way to read your words, and lately it’s been impossible not to feel some of those fires you describe, and I’ve watched how easily they can harden the heart. I’m simply amazed at how much the world has changed these past years… so your reminder that these trials can also soften and reveal our inner gold is the hope I’ll carry on with (and something I really do believe 😊!). Take care, my friend ❤️
It is so important to remember it is in the softening and in the hope we hold in our hearts, that we will heal and help each other. Thank you Randall, you always share from your heart of gold and it is appreciated here. 🧡🌈🙏🏻