Aren’t these common words? As graduations take place we welcome new adults into our ranks, and what are some of the words of wisdom we might share with them? This month we’ll take lessons from business leaders within the Chamber and profit from their experience.

               Joey Zarrillo is no stranger to our community. His cheerful presence is always such an influence for good, so he was my first choice in gleaning words of wisdom for the 2021 grads and yes, even for new business owners among our ranks. I asked Joey, “What do you wish you knew…way back when?” Experience teaches us many lessons, does it not? Vernon Law is quoted as saying, “Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.”

               Joey’s answer does not disappoint. “All of the things we experience on the path of life are a benefit—either to us personally or to another along the way.” Writers at Inc say it another way: Your education is never complete. Be open to the lessons in everything you experience.

               This requires use of several traits: First and foremost, awareness. Synonyms include discernment, perception and comprehension. It involves time spent in conscious thought, perhaps journaling about the day’s events and conversations, looking for commonalities in life’s experiences. Awareness is not a fait accompli, but rather a growing recognition, like the stealth of dawn each new morning, easily overlooked when not sought after.

               Another trait which helps is acceptance. We misunderstand or become frustrated when events fail to fit imagined narratives, but this is like railing against the inevitable, rather than accepting destiny. Joey added, “We often fail to see what’s happening or feel frustration and wonder why it’s happening, but it comes together later.” When we accept the ultimate benefit of life’s experiences, we cooperate with the synchronicity of life and it flows more easily.

               Think of yourself as a prized work of art. Life chisels away the rough features within you. Experience adds polish to facets within your personality. Your cooperation with the process produces resiliency and a better end product. You can also choose to rail against what happens, which doesn’t change the situation…it only makes you more miserable. Mindset coach Catherine Plano suggest these five steps in learning to cooperate with life’s events:

• Ask yourself, What is the bigger picture?

• Figure out what you may be reacting to.

• Write down what the situation means to you.

• Brainstorm the best thing to do in the situation.

• If this was happening to a friend, what would your advice be?

When you approach life with the Zen wisdom of Joey Zarrillo, you look for the short and long term benefits of life’s experiences, and you share them freely. He’s someone to turn to when you need not just help with real estate, but help in life. Blue Springs is richer for having him in our midst.

               New business owners and 2021 grads…turn to local business leaders for advice when issues arise. The Chamber is here to help you.