by Marjon Meyer
When life throws you lemons, make lemonade! We’ve all heard this before, but I had a magnificent enlightenment to make this cliché my slogan for the crazy times we all live in. A dear friend living in Dubai visited us some time ago and presented me with a lemon tree as a gift. The fruits this tree bears is a precious gift!
My ever-positive children made lemonade this week by buying an inflatable pool for our holiday accommodation since we cannot access the beach due to government restrictions. All smiles and cheers for our pool on the patio!
The lemonade idea was prompted while listening to a radio phone-in programme where so many callers complained about the effects of Lockdown and Covid-19. One caller said that the only good thing about 2020 was that there were so few days left. Really?
When life gives you lemons, making lemonade is a proverbial phrase used to encourage optimism and a positive can-do attitude in the face of difficulty. Lemons suggest sourness, bitterness or difficulty in life; making lemonade is thus a tendency to turn sourness into something positive, desirable or sweet tasting. Drinking fresh lemon juice with hot water in the morning is excellent for vitality, the digestive system and an alkaline body ph.
The lemons thrown at me during lockdown were initially hard to dodge, but when I started catching them instead, a lot of wholesome goodness followed. Unexpected blessings and kindness came my way, as well as opportunities to reach out to others.
This year we spent quality time together as a family and loved ones; my student-children excelled in their studies; working online resuscitated my business; and I improved my fitness by running longer distances due to a wonderful team’s encouragement. I also had time to clear the clutter at home… as well as in my mind.
It’s true that profound transformation often emerges from deep suffering. Here are some tips for transforming lemons into lemonade in your life:
Be grateful – Even if your life is completely falling apart, there are still things you can be grateful for.
Keep calm – Learning to take a deep breath when life gets too much can allow you a moment of much-needed relaxation. Don’t respond immediately when provoked, take a thinking break. The brain needs around 20 minutes to feel less flooded with emotions.
Respond positively – Working through problems with a sense of grace is what you can control. Reacting negatively, especially towards others, is going to make you feel even more terrible.
Learn to accept things – By pushing away the problem, you only make it stronger. Instead, accept things as they are. When suffering a loss, it’s essential you acknowledge this so the healing can truly begin.
Think and spend time on your own – You need to be comfortable with yourself, as you are in your own company 24/7. Learning to live inward and to spend quality time in your mind is a gift.
Be victorious – Face your problems like that of a victor, instead of running from them. Having the strength to deal with whatever is happening in your life brings more confidence. I think I can becomes I know I can.
Spend time outdoors – Looking at the vastness of the sky or listening to the sound of birds may make you realise there is something greater than what’s happening within you. Taking a walk in nature isn’t going to solve your problems, but it could make you feel better afterwards.
The lessons you learnt during this time could be way you remember this interesting year. What are those things you should stop doing as it adds little or nothing to your quality of life? More importantly, what should you do more of in future to ensure you make the best of every year, month and day?
My new year’s resolution is simple – I am making more lemonade… and even some lemon meringue pie!
PS – below are some recipes for using lemons wisely
Home-made lemonade
Ingredients
200 g sugar
4-5 cups cold water
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
sliced, lemons, to garnish
Instructions
Heat the sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan until the sugar has dissolved and mixture is clear – (+/- 3 min).
Pour the lemon juice and the sugar water into a pitcher.
Add the remaining water to the desired strength. Chill 30 to 40 minutes.
Serve with ice and sliced lemons.
Marjón’s lemon meringue pie
Ingredients
1 packet of tennis biscuits – crumbed
+/- 100g butter (enough to mix with crumbs so they stick together) – melted
1 tin condensed milk
3 lemons (juice from 3 and zest from one) – 100 ml
3 eggs separated
6 tsp castor sugar
Instructions
preheat oven to 180 degrees and grease a pie dish with Spray & Cook
line the dish with the biscuit crumb and butter mixture – press down
mix the condensed milk, 3 egg yolks and juice from 3 lemons and zest from 1 lemon together and pour into the pie base
whip the 3 egg whites until stiff peaks, then add the 6 tsp castor sugar one by one and whisk for a couple of minutes until stiff. Apply on top of the lemon mixture
bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, until the meringue is golden brown
Serve with a smile
Marjón Meyer is a Talent and Learning specialist, an Organisational Development consultant, a Corporate trainer & speaker, and a Coach & Therapist. Find out more about her work by visiting her website www.marjonmeyer.co.za, or connect with her on marjon@marjonmeyer.co.za, or phone +27 82 883 2425 to request more information on your training and coaching needs.
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