Be Positive

Recently someone shared with me the most inspiring message I had received in a while. I said, “If you fail, never give up because F.A.I.L. means “First Attempt In Learning.” End is not the end. In fact, E.N.D. means “Effort Never Dies.” If you get no as an answer, remember, N.O. means “Next Opportunity.” So let’s be positive. I loved the way this reframes how we tend to look at failure, endings, and even rejection. I’ve often heard it said that rejection is often God’s way of protecting us. I don’t know about you, but I’ve prayed and begged Him for numerous things and when I look back over my life, I am sooooo glad He said no and protected me from myself and said NO! He always gave me better in the end than what I was willing to settle for.

For many of us, failure is the best teacher. There is a rumor going around that it took Thomas Edison about 10,000 times to finally get it right when he was inventing the lightbulb. Regardless of how many times it really took, it’s his attitude that is important. Instead of giving up, he said he learned 10,000 ways it didn’t work! He saw his failures as the next opportunity to try again. That is inspiring for me.

What are you struggling with today? Health issues? Finances? Relationships? Recovery is a journey. There will always be setbacks and rough starts on days we think should go easy. We just have to examine our tool box and use the tool we think will be best for the occasion in front of us and pray it works. If it doesn’t, we pick another tool and try again. God is with us, cheering us on. The Holy Spirit is guiding us if we listen. We can always try again. Whoever said there were no do-overs was wrong.

Don’t be too proud to ask for help from wise counsel. That wise counsel part is important. It wouldn’t make sense to ask a blind man for directions, so seek counsel from someone who is living a life you aspire to live, who is in recovery, who has credentials, who can actually help you. Keep trying. Please keep trying. It’s not over until we hear the angels singing to welcome us home. If you don’t hear the Hallelujah choir, keep trying! Recovery is possible and it’s for everyone. Your mess can become your message and help someone else, but you can’t give up. You can do this thing; I’m positive!