There Can Be No Success Without Failure

“Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength.” - August Wilson

Lately, I've been spending lots of time working on me. It's good to be selfish sometimes, no? ;)

When I say working on me, I mean a total overhaul. What the mechanic originally thought was a transmission problem turned out to be an issue with the fuel rail. However, it appears that the fuel injection is working again because I'm feelin a bit more like my old self: firing on all cylinders.

But like any work in progress, there's always more to be done. Keep your eyes peeled, cause when I'm done under the hood, this baby's headed to the body shop.

P.S. Thanks to a "fat old [gearhead]" for that quote.

It's The Only One You've Got

How do you know where you're going
When you don't know where you've been
You hide the shame that you're not showing
And you won't let anyone in
A crowded street can be a quiet place
When you're walking alone
And now you think that you're the only
One who doesn't

Have to try
And you won't have to fail
If you're afraid to fly
Then I guess you never will

You hide behind your walls
Of maybe nevers
Forgetting that there's something more
Than just knowing better
Your mistakes do not define you now
They tell you who you're not
You've got to live this life you're given
Like it's the only one you've got

Memories have left you broken
And the scars have never healed
The emptiness in you is growing
But so little left to fill
You're scared to look back on the days before
You're too tired to move on
And now you think that you're the only one who doesn't

Have to try
And you won't have to fail
If you're afraid to fly
Then I guess you never will

What would it take
To get you to say that I'll try
And what would you say if
This was the last day of your life

You hide behind your walls
Of maybe nevers
Forgetting that there's something more
Than just knowing better
Your mistakes do not define you now
They tell you who you're not
You've got to live this life you're given
Like it's the only one you've got

~3 Doors Down

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." ~ Albert Einstein

I'm beginning to think I'm in love with Albert. There aren't very many posts on this blog yet, but he's found his way to a fair few.

But I digress...

So let's talk. Let's talk about that decision you've been trying to make, for...oh I don't know....15 years. Yes. That one.

The one we talk about each time we get together. Whether it be over dinner, over drinks, during bowling, or at family gatherings. Yes, that problem/dilemma/situation/inconvenience/issue that just doesn't seem to go away. You know, the one where your sister's boyfriend's uncle's niece said that thing which set you off and now you keep asking yourself if it's true.

Has my repetition become redundant because I'm repeating myself?

Rather annoying, wouldn't you agree? Please take note. We have been having the same conversation for YEARS. And THAT is not an overestimation. I'm not incredibly patient, and my patience grows thinner with each passing day.

And on that day, when I shout from the rooftops that I couldn't care less, know that you have been warned.

Disclaimer: If you take this personally, it's for one of two reasons: a) I'm talking about you or b) You think everything is about you.

30 Day Challenge

I'm borrowing this from my buddy Sheena.

I, too, like many others out there, have been stuck in a rut. I'm willing to try this out for a month, and see what turns up. Most importantly, I've got nothing to lose!

---

There, of course, has been lots of criticism and challenges to the scientific validity of these experiments. However, that’s missing the greater point. We’re taught this principle in our churches, encouraged to partake of it in books like The Secret, and given notoriety from people like Oprah if we master it. Why? Because it’s truth. Because it works. There is power in what we say. What we speak comes back to us and transforms us, either for the better or the worst.

I want to be transformed.

I want to see change in myself and in the lives of others.

If you want to join me, you can join in with what I’m doing below.

1. Write out a list of things that are bothering or insecurities you are dealing with and leave a few spaces between each one.
2. After each worry or insecurity, write a statement that dictates what is God’s truth, what you want to see come to pass, or what you know is supposed to be happening. Make it as specific as you can to the insecurity so that you have a truth to believe instead.
   *If you can’t think of a scripture, write down something positive. You do not have to be perfect!**If you're not a Christian, don't let this turn you away. Please still participate! We all need more positivity and encouragement in our lives.
3. Make a commitment to DAILY (even if you skip your morning devotional or work out time, even if you’re late for work and have to do it during your lunch break in the bathroom, or even if you have completely forgotten and have to do it in the car on your way home to work) find a mirror, look yourself in the eyes, and say those truths over yourself. Do not read them. Do not whisper them. Say them clearly to yourself even if you don't believe it.
4. Do this for 30 days.
5. Come back and tell me how you feel. I will do the same for you.

Forward Progress

"In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher. We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves. Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace. Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive." ~ His Holiness The Dalai Lama

For those of us who are still searching for that balance, or suffering through the new fangled "quarter life crisis," pay special attention to the second sentence in that quote.

We need to get over ourselves, stop trying to keep up with the Joneses, and let go of Facebook envy.

I'm talking to myself, to my close friends, to my family, to any and every one.

"We live in the 21st century, where literally anything is possible. To be pessimistic in a field of infinite potential is irresponsible." ~ Brent Hunter