“Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave.”
Mary Tyler Moore
Happy Monday!
What a lovely weekend here in beautiful SoCal! I almost feel guilty talking about it, as my friends worldwide are having different experiences. It was a nice break from the rainy, cloudy weather that is predicted to revisit us next week. My heart goes out to those of you who haven’t seen the sun in a while and to those of you who wish for a break in the heat. You can send me pictures and weather reports when I complain in the summer months.
I’ve had some interesting conversations recently about why it’s easier to remain with a current behavior when something else might be a better choice. And why do we fiercely protect our old patterns when they’ve stopped giving us acceptable results? It’s not an unusual experience for us. We really don’t like change, particularly when we’re not sure we’ll like the outcome. We especially dislike mixing things up when it might cause discomfort or pain.
And, omgosh, what if we make a mistake or fail somehow? Sometimes, I think we stay stuck in the same place, not realizing that we’re actually failing because the thought of failure is too frightening, and we don’t want others to know we’re not good at something or are afraid. I’m not sure if the fear of failure or being found mistaken is worse to acknowledge. Maybe it’s equal. Perhaps we just don’t take kindly to being less than what we’d like others to believe about us.
In my experience, we can’t grow to our full potential without missteps and failures. If we’re protected from every opportunity to grow in strength and courage, we have the potential to become entitled and narrow in our perspective. Think of a time when you had an epic failure. I’m sure it was embarrassing. Now, think of the aftermath of that experience. Did you learn a valuable lesson? Did it make a lasting impression on you or someone else? And when you recovered, were you stronger for the encounter? I’ll bet it was something you’ll never forget and that it added depth and understanding you’ll never regret.
I really appreciate this quote from Mary Tyler Moore:
It would be interesting to research the benefits of failure. If you’re a researcher, you might have some ideas on how to substantiate a study like that. My guess is that the outcome would support the efficacy of failure as a point of growth and change.
I think about people like Edison, who failed many times and finally invented the bulb that changed how we understand light and electricity. Or how about Lincoln, who lost so many elections that no one would have blamed him if he quit politics? Ultimately, this President made a massive impact in abolishing slavery. How about Spielberg, who wasn’t accepted into the USC School of Theatre, Film, and Television until his fourth application? I can’t even count the number of successful productions credited to him. Then, there’s Lady Gaga, whose first recording contract was terminated after three months. I wonder how much they regret that move. Lol!
Scripture shares some insight on bravery and courage, as well:
“Watch, stand fast in faith, be brave, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NKJV)
“Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave, stouthearted, and courageous. Yes, wait and he will help you.” Psalm 27:14 (TLB)
It says nothing about being perfect but brave, strong, and courageous. So, here’s my theory: If we’re afraid to make mistakes and risk failure, we can live a tidy life – no harm, no foul. But, and it’s a big one, if we take a chance, put ourselves out there, take even one tiny step after another, or take a giant leap, we might just hit on something amazing. We might find the answer to our negative defaults. We might discover a way to be happier and live in peace and harmony with our world. And if all goes well, we may even find a way to help others in their journey.
Do something radical this week and practice being brave!
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
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