This, I believe...

Have you ever told a lie to someone you love?  Have you ever been angry with yourself and take it out on someone else just because it was easier than sorting your real feelings?  There are millions of scenarios taking place each and every day wherein people do things they didn’t intend to do or wish they could take back.  These instances happen to us all – they are called mistakes! 

All too often, we are judged by our behaviors; and some people just don’t want to let us forget about the mistakes we’ve made.  Statements are ringing through homes right now that are telling children they will never amount to anything because they never do anything right or that the man next door is no good and should never be trusted - statements that condemn the recipients to failure and ambiguity.

I believe everyone makes mistakes.  Mistakes help us grow and change the way we think or process particular situations.  Mistakes are our way of getting better – with or without guidance.  I believe that a person can change his own destiny regardless of where he comes from and the level of support he has.  

How often have you been given advice– advice you simply ignored.  For hundreds of reasons we ignore good advice from the wisest of wise (aka: those who have made mistakes.)  If you do not make bad choices or can’t remember your last mistake; perhaps, you should take a harder look at your life.  We go through things with every passing year.  We are constantly learning.  Often times, later in life, we are placed in situations where our experience can benefit someone else.  Will the advice you give be taken to heart – not necessarily.  No one is perfect.  Mistakes are inevitable.  Sometimes, we must go through it to understand.

Now, I’m not saying that everyone will get better and grow wiser based on the mistakes they make; but, neither you nor I can say with any certainty exactly who will or who won’t.  What I am saying is that just because someone behaves in a specifically negative way today, it does not mean he will always be that way.  Everyone deserves a fair chance to grow and learn to be better.  For some, outside factors including substance abuse, psychological challenges, and/or a lack of self- confidence (to name a few) will play a significant role in how they change, learn, and grow. 

The impossible can be possible.  People can be better.  We cannot change each other.  We can only change ourselves; and that change must come from within.  I believe that our mistakes are our life’s best lessons.

In short - I believe that who you are today, is not necessarily who you will be tomorrow.  I challenge you to look at life through this lens, if only for a moment.

Author: Melissa A. Miranda