Deep Thoughts from the Steps – It Ain’t Easy Becoming a Diamond

Our newest line of tees, long-sleeved tees and hoodies features the theme “Diamond Made.” It’s based on the idea that while diamonds are beautiful and valuable, becoming a diamond is difficult. Really difficult. 

They start as any carbon-based material that’s beneath at least 150 km of earth. Then they have to endure up to 3 billion years of heat and pressure. And then, they’re mined, refined, and cut into useable shapes and sizes. Like I said: Really difficult. 

That reminds me of my life experience. Yes, I’ve had some great times in my life, but I’ve also faced immense pressure and heat from some bad situations. I’ve also been through some times that have left me afraid, grief stricken or crushed. I’ve made big mistakes and had some big failures, even when I thought I did everything I was supposed to do. 

In the face of all these things, how could I hope that things would get better? I remember that no matter where we are, we all have the same potential to become diamonds. I wanted to capture that with the Diamond Made motto: The heat and the pressure can destroy you or turn you into a diamond. Your choice.

I know that sounds lofty but consider that we’ve all gone through some situations we didn’t want. However, once we got through them, we were a little stronger, wiser or had more peace. Sometimes, we’re even better off than when we started. 

It’s like Jon Bon Jovi said: “Success is falling down nine times and getting up 10.” In other words, if you want things to get better, you have to keep getting up. 

Tom Hanks also shared that “this too shall pass”. He explains that during our highest highs and our lowest lows, this too shall pass. Nothing is permanent. This way of thinking protects us from despair and arrogance.

That’s what motivates me to move past my challenges. It’s even led me to create my own holiday on March 4, which becomes “MARCH FORTH” for me, my family, friends and co-workers. It’s a great reminder that real failure only occurs when we fall down and stay down. So, whatever happens fail forward and March forth!