"Au jour du bonheur sois joyeux mais au jour de l'adversité réfléchis"

Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes everything feels just right, and other times it's like the universe has conspired against us. When life is going great, it's essential to savor and appreciate those moments. But when things aren't going so well, it's equally important to take a step back and reflect on what’s happening.

This idea of appreciating good times and reflecting on tough times isn't new. It’s been around for ages because it holds a lot of wisdom. Think about it: when you're happy and everything is going smoothly, it's easy to just enjoy the ride and not think too much about it. These are the moments to be joyful, to embrace life’s gifts fully. But inevitably, there will be times when things don't go according to plan. Those are the times to consider—to reflect and learn.

Take, for instance, Steve Jobs. He had incredible highs in his career, like founding Apple and launching revolutionary products. During those prosperous times, he celebrated with his team and enjoyed the successes. But Jobs also faced significant adversity. He was actually ousted from Apple, the company he founded. Instead of getting stuck in bitterness, he used that challenging time to reflect, eventually founding NeXT and Pixar. His time in the wilderness, so to speak, helped him grow in ways he might not have if everything had always gone his way. And guess what? Apple later bought NeXT, bringing Jobs back to the company he started, where he went on to achieve even greater things.

How can you apply this wisdom in your own life? When you're enjoying a stretch of good fortune, take the time to notice it—really notice it. Savor the moments, celebrate your wins, and appreciate the people around you. It’s not just about being happy, but about being consciously grateful.

On the flip side, when things aren’t going well, resist the urge to despair or blame others. Instead, consider what the adversity is trying to teach you. Are there changes you need to make? Are there lessons you can learn? Sometimes, it's in the toughest moments that we find our greatest strength and clarity.

Imagine this scenario: You’ve just landed your dream job. The pay is great, the work is fulfilling, and you get along wonderfully with your colleagues. Life feels fantastic. During this time, soak up the experience. Be present, enjoy your work, and strengthen your connections with your coworkers.

Now, picture a different scene. After a year of smooth sailing, the company faces financial troubles, and you’re laid off. It’s a blow, no doubt. But consider what you can do during this time of adversity. Maybe it’s an opportunity to reassess your career goals, learn new skills, or explore different industries. Reflect on what went wrong and how you can adapt and grow from this experience.

By applying this wisdom, you’re not just surviving life’s fluctuations—you’re thriving through them. So remember, celebrate the good times, but when challenges come your way, take a moment to pause and reflect. There’s always something to learn, and every experience, good or bad, can help shape you into a better, stronger person.