QOTD: Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best. -Henry Van Dyke Im finally beginning to learn that this failure thing really is okay; that it is a concept and a feeling in and of itself separate from any physical concrete thing (i.e. it only exists in our minds). Admittedly, I write a lot about failure and the subsequent overcoming-of-obstacles in an effort to make myself actually believe it. I put into words the thoughts of conversations I have had with others, encouraging them and attempting to lift them. We all tend to do this, though, dont we? Believe in universal truths or absolutes for all mankind….except ourselves. We wont let ourselves off the hook. I am learning, though, as I get older that failure truly is an internal concept and not an external reality. In most instances, Im the one who views me as a failure or incompetent, not anyone else. Why, then, do we choose to beat ourselves up that way? I cant speak for you, but for me the answer is two-fold. 1. I have a constant need to be perfect or attempt perfection in everything I do. When Im hard on myself, I use it as motivation to improve. 2. I am insecure and cannot handle criticism--therefore I use self-deprecation as a way of guarding myself from others attacks (if I punish myself first, maybe they wont or not as harshly). It really is amazing how the mind will play tricks on itself and justify not only thoughts and emotions, but the pathways which lead you to them. Time heals all wounds, however, and I am beginning to see instances where I have viewed myself as a failure, really were necessary stumbling blocks from which growth occurred. I am understanding how wide and vast someones various talents and skill-sets can be. I dont have to be the best at something to still perform adequately. I dont have to have mastered a talent in order to succeed at it. Success has many different levels and definitions--sometimes success is merely trying. I hate to be cliche, but the fact of the matter is--the only barometer that matter are the ones we, ourselves, establish. I will never be perfect….at anything! And there is something very freeing about that realization. Ive always liked the saying, Success happens when opportunity meets preparedness. Often we are simply at the right place at the right time. We cannot control timing, but we can try and prepare best for whatever comes our way. Truth is, sometimes we must begin to walk before the path appears. My talents are pre-ordained, and my skills--well, Im learning to pick and choose which ones are more important than others. I will do my best to prepare for what the world has in store for me, but I am learning that prepared or not--life is in the living. So I will step out into the proverbial woods, I will walk my own path, and in-tune or not, you better believe Im gonna sing my ass off.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Apr 2014 13:24:27 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015