I have been thinking about this saying, “This too shall pass…” and what it means to me. However, let’s start with where it came from, this frequently used saying.
"This too shall pass" is a Persian adage translated and used in several languages. It reflects on the temporary nature, or ephemerality, of the human condition — that neither the bad, nor good, moments in life ever indefinitely last. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_too_shall_pass). Yes, I referenced to Wikipedia! It is not something I usually do, however, the explanation for me was useful.
We know that this saying usually has to do with times that are difficult in our lives. People will say, “Yes, this is difficult now, but…this too shall pass.” Or they will say, “I know this is such a big challenge for you now, however, this too shall pass.” I don’t think I ever had someone say, “ Yes, this is such a great time to celebrate this accomplishment, however, this too shall pass.” Talk about someone taking the positive energy out of a moment of joy!
However, I have been going deeper in my thoughts about this saying. I was speaking to someone recently about this wonderful tool of T, I, E, based on the research and work of Dr. Martin Seligman who has done extensive work globally on optimism. The tool letters stand for ( in relation to any adversity or challenge in your life): T=Temporary, I=Isolated, and E=Effort Can Be Put Into Changing It. In the Six Seconds Model of Emotional Intelligence one of the competencies is Exercising Optimism. I have shared this T, I, E tool with many people globally and they have found it so useful in their lives, whether they be youth or adults. Sometimes a simple tool can have powerful implications. This is about realistic optimism, not positivity. This competency of Exercising Optimism is based in reality.
Here is where I want to connect, “this too shall pass” with T, I, E. Whenever I have explained this tool I have said something like this. I used to coach high school students in study skills. They were all very bright and had never learned to study, as they never had to. Learning new skills came easily to them…until high school. It was devastating for them to take a few steps backward, learn some study skills, and then move on. I remember a student showing me a test he got back from his teacher in one of his subjects. He remarked, “Look at this! What am I going to do?” I shared the T, I, E tool and said, “ This is one test, correct?” They agreed. “This is in one subject, right?” They agreed. “So what are you plans going forward? What effort will you put into changing this the next time you take a test in this subject?” T, I, E in action. It made sense to them and they told me that they would contact the teacher, plan their studying better than he had done in the past, and so on. Their plan, not my plan for them, was in place. In my view, too, this very upsetting time for this student was going to pass using the T, I, E tool. “This too shall pass.”
Think about times when you can use this tool. I know it may seem simple, however, sometimes the “simple tools” are the most understandable and everlasting tools.
And Hope Is Not Far Behind.