Byproduct with a purpose

This week I came across something very interesting about tea waste. The funny thing about this topic is it hit close to home in my weekly reflection. If I shared my life journey with you thus far, I'm sure your mouth would hit the floor, your stomach would turn, and anger would flow from every part of your body. I didn't have the best childhood. My childhood led to a difficult adulthood transition, but I was not a total waste. This reflection brings me to this week's T.E.A. and what I discovered.

Did you know tea waste have a use? The byproduct of tea; the stems, dust, damaged leaves, and detritus remnants are unappealing and not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of tea. But the byproduct of tea is widely used in commercial industries to fortify material and create nutrients that can be consumed by many of the animals and plants we enjoy at our dinner tables. In some instances, the tea leaves are used to fabricate clothing and shoes for less fortunate countries. Imagine that, the undesirable elements of tea making a huge difference in the world. The benefits of tea byproducts do not fit the typical narrative of tea's elegance we've come to know and love. So how can we use this example?

Perhaps, you're like me and were grown in a field filled with great tea plants. Despite what we may claim, our life experiences follow us into adulthood. Perhaps we were not selected as the best selection for tea consumption, but we have a purpose in this world. I coach small business owners that have endured so much heartbreak; you would wonder how they survive. There are many tea byproducts leading some of the biggest companies in the world. I am a proud tea byproduct serving my purpose in the world. I am ok with being a tea byproduct and not the main tea plant. Why? Once the tea is consumed, the remaining product is disposed of in the household trash bin. For us, the tea byproduct, we have an expansive range of benefits and purposes in society. Our life challenges give us the courage to endure failure, inspiration to dream big, and a foundation for honorable work ethics. Even as the byproduct of our environment, we work hard because we are familiar with the bottom and refuse to go back to our old stomping grounds. Our byproduct elements are what contribute to how we lead others.

So, as you evaluate your actions this week, take a moment and examine how your desire to be the main tea product interferes with your uniqueness as a tea byproduct. Embrace what you have to offer, even if it's not offering yourself to the main table. Your influence extends beyond the office with the view, the C-Suites, and the board room. You make an impact in the lives of those around you and beyond. It's easy to find yourself competing for the role of tea, but after researching this week, I am very comfortable with the impact and function the tea byproduct has in this world. Take some time this week and center yourself in your true self. Lead others knowing that they too may be a fellow byproduct, and together you can accomplish so much more. We have a purpose, just like the tea byproduct. I leave you with one question. What's wrong with the way you are? Until next time…sip Away!