Maintaining the Edge

Maintaining the Edge
Monday 01 Oct, 2007
As submitted to pencilstubs.com

I have had a very tumultuous year! From major business disappointments and physical illness to great disappoint in people I once trusted; my life has been filled with many challenges over the past 12 months. There is a term that many people feel is over used and worn out; "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." As with most quaint little one liners, it is an over simplification yet still, it hits the nail squarely on the head.

I wrote last month about some of the intense heat, pressure and skill that goes into making a sword. I used the example for business mostly but the same concepts apply to life and personal commitment as well. I believe that the pressures of life continually mold and shape us into the people we are. Just like the master Swordsmith uses each strike of the hammer to form the metal, life strikes us into what we ultimately become.

I have noticed that when a blacksmith is working metal, they are very observant at every stage. From the selection of the metal itself to observing and inspecting the result of each hammer stroke even while the metal is on the anvil. At every stage of the process, the swordsmith is constantly making adjustments to the sword, reheating it, quenching it, striking it and holding up to see what needs to be done next.

I believe that as life comes at us, we should constantly be looking for ways to become all that we are meant to be. Every situation in life, good or bad, is an opportunity to learn and grow. Our existence (the anvil) is being molded and shaped (hammer) by life's victories and defeats. We are like the metal that is heated, cooled, hammered and formed into what we will ultimately become.

When the Swordsmith is finally finished and the prized weapon given to the warrior, it must be cared for. Any signs of rust must be removed; the edge needs sharpening and it should be properly stored and protected. This is especially important after harsh use such as in sparing or in battle. The sword itself is tested and as a result, damage to the weapon is inevitable. Dings, scratches and dullness must be identified and cared for if the sword is to be ready for the next challenge.

Life can be like the sword. We learn and grow to become strong, sharp and ready for the challenges of life; when they come we are tested. It's when we are faced with harsh challenges that our metal is tested the most and we become scratched, dinged and loose our edge. Sometimes there is a need to inspect ourselves and polish out the rust or sharpen our skills in order to meet the next challenge.

As I hold up the last 12 months of my life in clear view, I can see some needs that should be addressed. As I put my life in the light, I can see some flaws, cracks and dullness that needs to be cared for. Nothing big, just some nicks on the blade and some scratches on the surface. Some things need more attention than others, but seeing them and knowing that care is needed is important.

As an avid blogger, I am fortunate to be able to go back and see some of the dreams, goals and aspirations of my heart over the past 12 months. Admittedly, I'm in a much different "battle" than I set out on, but the warrior and the sword are the same that set out on the campaign. Many things are different and some things are the same. What's most interesting to me is that most of the work that needs to be done not on things that have changed, but some things than have not.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining that things are so much different nor that the forge called life has challenged me to such extremes. Quite the opposite! I believe it was the confidence in my own metal that prepared me for the many changes and challenges. I believe it was my own willingness to see my flaws and make corrections that allowed me to believe in myself enough to accept challenges that would have been much easier to avoid.

So it's back to the smithy I go! A few minor adjustments and a little polishing to help this sword prepare for the next challenge and to further mold it into all it can become. There are many challenges that I have chosen to accept and I believe self evaluation and a willingness to learn from my mistakes and accept my limitations helps me be more prepared.

I share these thoughts with you in the hope that you can glean some useful tidbit for your own life. It's my way of stoking your fire if I can. These little hidden gems are brought to light for your benefit, and I am happy to be allowed to share them with you. What do you think? Am I crazy? Or have I helped you in some way? Send me a note; I am interested.