So many people wish they could just pass over the mistakes and hardships of their life. I see the logic in that, of course, but then again all those mistakes, the awful moments, the hardest times, are the ones where you really find out what you’re made of. It’s easy to see this when you’re past them, but while you’re going through them? It’s takes a strong faith and a lot of character to hold on and believe you will be okay.
“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”
― Anonymous
In other words, it doesn’t matter where you are in life now, you can change and create a different world for yourself. Your life doesn’t have to be defined by mistakes and heartache. Those can be smaller bits to a larger life that includes joy, contentment, and beauty. You can become known as the one who donated her time, the one who wrote that novel, the one who was the best friend she could be to everyone she met. You don’t have to be that child of an alcoholic, the one who kept screwing up, the one who spent her life alone. Start now, today, to be what you want to be. Make that first step, regardless of where your footsteps have been in the past.
We’d all be really boring–and probably bored–without our mistakes and hardships. Conflict is what makes a great story, and it is probably also what makes a great life. The opportunity and ability to overcome hardships and triumph is one of the best things about being human.
Charlotte,
Great point! I liked what you said about “conflict is what makes a great story.” So true. As writers we know that in practice, but sometimes wish we could slide over the pain in our personal life. But the reality is that we are much more interested because we’re real and deal with hardships.
This is soooo beautiful, Cherie… gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes. I can very much relate to moving forward after a tough situation… and finding my purpose. I happened to learn this all from a dog. Pretty cool, I think.
I think if we need to instill in our children that challenges are stepping stones to learning and growing, not something to feel bad about or to feel as if we are being punished. Teaching kids to be positive and realize they always have a choice, is something I am passionate about… which took me 40 years to learn! ha!
I love your blog! Where in WI do you live? I am from WI also… exactly one hour south of Green Bay and one hour north of Milwaukee.
Barbara Techel
Award winning author of the Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Book Series
My passion is bringing a positive face and voice to animals with disabilities
Frankie is Official Mascot for National Disabled Pets Day and
Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame Companion Dog
http://www.joyfulpaws.com
http://www.frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com
Barbara,
You’re kidding? What a coincidence! We are in the Milwaukee area. Your book (and purpose) sounds wonderful. YES, it is pretty cool.
Hi, Cherie,
I think that since we know our past has helped make us the person we are right now, we tend to think we MUST keep making the same mistakes over and over again so we won’t be able to create a “new ending.” But that isn’t the truth. It’s never too late to learn from our mistakes and STOP making the same ones!
Thanks for the reminder!
Suzanne,
Yes, exactly! I’m so glad you commented on this because I love what you just said about making the same mistakes over and over. Hey, sometimes it takes us longer to learn the lesson, but it still doesn’t mean our mistakes define us.
This is such a wonderful thought. I love being reminded of things like this & looking forward in such a positive & optimistic way. Thank you, I will read it often!!
Jessica
http://www.leedesign.org