Filling the Cracks with Gold: The Flaws Make You Stronger

I was in Newport Beach in California a few days ago, and while walking along the boardwalk I met a woman when I stopped to pat her golden retriever, and we were talking about travelling and various life experiences.   She reminded me of an old Japanese proverb I'd once heard about and forgotten, about how when a piece of pottery breaks, the Japanese fill the cracks with gold because it was believed that it only made the piece stronger, not to mention more beautiful and valuable.  This practice is actually called kintsugi, loosely translated as "golden joinery"  "When the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold. They believe that when something's suffered damage and has a history it becomes more beautiful." -Barbara Bloom   Overall the proverb calls us to see the beauty in imperfections, and the strength that tough or even shattering life experiences can offer us.  It's an incredibly beautiful reminder that the experiences or lessons that come the hardest, are often what mold us into the most powerful versions of ourselves, and that those experiences don't break us - they only serve to give us even more strength.  It's a reminder to embrace flaws and imperfections to gain strength in every sense of the word.  I felt really called to share this story today, because on the day this woman reminded me of the proverb was in a moment of time I really needed to hear it, and I hope that someone else needs this message today as well.  REFERENCES Learn more about Kintsugi   Want to join the conversation or connect with Emily?  Connect below!  CONNECT WITH EMILY Instagram @emilygoughcoach [email protected] Emily Gough Coaching Room to Grow Podcast Facebook: @ Emily Gough Coaching   DON'T MISS… Questions?  Comments? Want to connect and chat? You can email me at [email protected], or DM me over on Instagram @emilygoughcoach with any questions, comments, or takeaways!  Plus, I would absolutely love to connect with you and thank you for listening in real life.  It makes me day to see you listening to the podcast and fills me up with pure joy. Seriously.  See you on the 'gram! Questions?  Comments?  If Instagram and Facebook aren't your jam, send me a good old fashioned email!  [email protected] BRAND NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY, THURSDAY & SATURDAY