This quote suggests that life’s sweet and bitter experiences are often influenced by external factors, events, and circumstances beyond our control. They can be the result of chance, luck, or the actions of others. On the other hand, the “hard” – the challenges, the struggles, the effort – comes from within us. This is about the determination, resilience, and perseverance we put into achieving our goals, overcoming obstacles, and growing as individuals.
The “hard” can be seen as the personal effort and inner strength required to navigate through life’s ups and downs. It’s about the grit and tenacity that we need to cultivate within ourselves. It’s a recognition that while we can’t control everything that happens to us, we can control how we respond to it, and the effort we put into shaping our own lives.
In today’s world, this quote can be applied in various contexts. For instance, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the bitter and sweet experiences might include the loss of loved ones, job loss (bitter) or more family time, and discovering new hobbies (sweet). These are external circumstances that we have little control over. However, the “hard” refers to how we adapt to this new reality, the effort we put into maintaining our physical and mental health, or the resilience we build in the face of adversity.
In terms of personal development, this quote emphasizes the importance of inner strength and personal effort. It suggests that personal growth and success are not just about navigating through the sweet and bitter experiences that life throws at us, but also about the effort, determination, and resilience that we cultivate within ourselves. It’s about acknowledging that while we can’t control all external circumstances, we can control our internal responses, and this is where our true power lies.