Pressurized

 

Have you ever thought about how some of the most invaluable assets of our world came to be? We rarely consider the processes that are involved in refining gold, diamonds or other precious stones. We simply admire the finished project without regarding the sweat equity that produced these beautiful and costly items. 

Pressure is defined as constant physical force that is applied to or against an object. Many of the world's precious treasures that are here today would cease to exist with the absence of pressure. Although the process of pressurizing an object can be a burdensome and tenuous task; I think we'd all agree it's worth it. 

Diamonds are formed from carbon that is buried, deep beneath massive layers of earth. They are put under intense pressures equaling 725,000 pounds per square inch. Next, they are exposed to extreme temperatures totalling 2,200 Fahrenheit. 

 

Once found they must be cleaned, sorted and inspected. Only a small number of these diamonds can move on to the next phase, the others are used for manufacturing purposes. The final step is cutting. Before a diamond can be cut there is significant planning that takes place. An expert must utilize the latest technology to determine how the diamond will be cut. Next, a diamond will be used to cut another diamond into pieces, this is called cleaving. It must be shaped into a specific cut, an intensive process called bruiting. Then it is polished, without this step the diamond would not shine. The final step is a rigorous inspection and the diamond is graded. The grading standard is set by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Finally the diamond can be sold. The process the diamond undergoes contributes to its value.

This concept can also be applied to people. Which successful people do you admire? Is your list filled with business and medical professionals, content creators, artists, athletes, music icons, writers, motivational speakers and scientists? When we look at a person's success, we often fail to realize the blood, sweat and tears this person had to invest in developing their craft. We didn't see the rejections, doubts, fears, sacrifices and disappointments that contributed to the success and development of the polished professional. We crave the accomplishments and accolades of this distinguished group of individuals. But how many of us are willing to endure the hardships, trials and sufferings of this group

of people that undergo intensive amounts of pressure

which molds them into the noteworthy individuals they

have become. Their accomplishments are directly related to the intense pressure that helped to fashion them into

the individuals we see before us today. 

I've had to undergo my own fiery trials and extreme

amounts of pressure to mold me into the individual I am

becoming today. What about you? What crosses have you had to bear? How are those experiences shaping you into

the individual you are becoming today? I want to

challenge you to allow your trials to mold you into the

best version of you. Don't allow the adversities you've faced shrink your expectation of yourself. Join me on the path to self discovery. Find your voice. Ready. Set.

Unmute.