The word diamond has been derived from the Greek ἀδάμας (adámas), which means proper, unalterable, and untamed. Glass is a word that comes from glesum, a Germanic word for a transparent and lustrous substance.

Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth as coal is placed under high temperature and pressure. Some diamonds may form over periods as short a time as days or weeks, to millions of years.

Glass is made from sand that has been compacted under pressure and heat until it liquefies. It is then poured into frames or blown to create beautiful, sometimes utilitarian objects.

Diamond is a hard material when compared to glass. Diamond is known to cut glass. Glass will not cut diamond.

Diamonds come with carbon flaws. If a real diamond is seen through a jeweler’s magnifying lens, one can see flaws. On the contrary, glasses are usually flawless.

We value diamonds and glass because of their transparency. A variety of circumstances occurred to change or transform them and make them become clear.

People can be like diamonds or glass.

Some people are naturally hard, yet precious and extremely valued. They are rare and occur as a product of nature.

Some are not as precious, yet are valued and used every day. They achieve their strength and value as they are placed under extreme pressure and temperature.

Regardless of the circumstances by which we become diamond or glass, we all have the opportunity to take the pressure and pain in our lives to have more clarity about our situations. In this radical transparency, we can create change.

Photo by Martin de Arriba on Unsplash

This post is Day 83 of my #100DaysToOffload challenge. Want to get involved? Find out more at 100daystooffload.com.