This is one of my all time favorite quotes- so much indeed that I had it tattooed on my foot so that I can see it for my daily dose of inspiration and a reminder to not take others so personally in life. The quote comes from Dante Alighieri’s Purgatorio- on Dante’s journey through Purgatory he encounters a soul who gives him the following quote.
'sovegna vos a temps de ma dolor'.
Poi s'ascose nel foco che gli affina.
'be mindful in due time of my pain'.
Then dived he back into that fire which refines them.
Purgatorio -XXVI
~Dante Alighieri
It is a reminder that you never really know what someone else is going through, or how they arrived at where they are or the state of mind they are in. We are constantly surrounded by negative people, situations and thinking. Whether its work, home or life in general. We tend to take others and their behavior and reactions personal. This reminds me to allow others to be in their “pain” (issues, situations, thoughts, etc.) and not be offended or affected by it.
Not everyone has good reactions, effective coping mechanisms or positive thinking available to them. We have all lacked, at some point or another in this department. Life is the fire which refines us all- and we should allow those around us to dive into those fires and learn what they need to learn in this life. Every person we encounter and every situation is a potential lesson we can gain positive things from if we allow it and view it from the right frame of mind. It is our choice in how we approach it.
I hope everyone has a positive and lovely Tuesday. Sending Positive vibes, love and light to you.
