Molding Yourself

“Life has a way of bending you and knocking you down—like being pounded flat, right?” the monk asked. I agreed with a nod.

“But it is your responsibility to reshape yourself,” he continued.

This resonated deeply within me. Who hasn’t felt the pressure of external forces, whether from people or authority, trying to bend them? Yet, it is equally essential to piece ourselves back together. Various challenges will inevitably weigh us down; this is an inherent part of life. But it is also our responsibility to transform ourselves, to emerge as something strong and striking. It’s about turning adversity into beauty and keeping a sense of wonder alive. I emphasize this point throughout my series—pun intended. Its relevance is more significant than ever.

I hail from two nations that have historically stifled their people's spirits—Venezuela and Lebanon. Both countries are rich in resources and potential but currently endure profound hardships. This ‘bending’—the relentless pressure that stifles human potential—has ironically given rise to some of the world's most remarkable talent.

The Lebanese, who began as hardworking tradespeople at the dawn of the 21st century, have produced influential bankers, thinkers, and entertainers today, such as Nassim Taleb, Salma Hayek, George Michael, and Amal Clooney, to name a few.

Similarly, Venezuela, known for its vast crude oil reserves, has given rise to notable leaders in oil trade and foreign policy like Moises Naim, as well as celebrated artists like Carlos Cruz Diez and prominent media groups such as The Cisneros Media Group.

Now consider the Eiffel Tower—one of the most iconic structures worldwide—crafted from over 18,000 pieces of puddle iron. Yes, puddle iron! Inaugurated in March 1889 to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution, this iconic metal marvel was assembled from simple wrought iron. It required vision, persistence, and a significant amount of bending to create such a stunning edifice.

The Eiffel Tower stands as a symbol of how disparate elements can be molded into something extraordinary. The aspects of ourselves that the monk refers to—our perseverance, values, integrity, emotions, creativity, and ability to adapt—should be cherished and safeguarded. Like a flame, keep these qualities alive; they are essential for continually reshaping yourself into a beautiful form, much like the Eiffel Tower.

This marks the tenth edition of Liz’s Newsletter—Fall Series, inspired by her silent retreat at a Benedictine Monastery in Big Sur, California. Elizabeth Ayoub grew up in a secular Muslim Lebanese family in Caracas, Venezuela. If you appreciated this narrative, consider subscribing to the newsletter. Sharing it would mean a lot to her, too.