Last Spring I attended a sales training and at my seat was a name card with an inspirational quote from a historic figure.

My first reaction was no. No! That is untrue Thomas Jefferson. Author of the Declaration of Independence, third President of the United States of America, “America’s First Foodie” who popularized mac ‘n’ cheese stateside. That quote is untrue.

“The art of life is the art of avoiding pain, and he is the best pilot who steer clear of the rocks and shoals with which it is beset.”

I questioned how such an accomplished man could advocate that the art of life was living solely in the beauty without touching on the sorrow, even avoiding the pain altogether. Surely he had faced enough adversity to know that worthwhile growth and innovation is born from struggle.

While it is easier to move through life wearing rose-colored glasses, I now know that it takes the rocks, shoals and trust to catapult you into the true beauty of life.

I researched the quote and was relieved to find Jefferson’s words were taken out of context for my name card in order to better fit the message of the training!

The quote goes on to say, “…pleasure is always before us; but misfortune is at our side: while running after that, this arrests us. the most effectual means of being secure against pain is to retire within ourselves, & to suffice for our own happiness.”

The full quote rings true for me. Retiring within myself for reflection and realignment of my H-IOS components steadies me as I steer into the rocks and shoals. Once there I can process suffering in real-time allowing me to fulfill my own happiness and joy.

Now for the issue of being “taken out of context,” misquoted, misunderstood. How much of life do you take out of context in order to fashion your ideal narrative? As long as this serves you…please edit away. Yet the moment it doesn’t, I invite you to allow the fullness and beauty of your experiences, your quotes, your happiness, your suffering and your innovation to unequivocally author your autobiography.