Give Second Chances Wisely
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Health and Wellness

Give Second Chances Wisely

Second chances can go either way.

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Give Second Chances Wisely
The Odyssey Online

Give second chances, but think wisely before doing so.

Second chances are like diamonds. They're common, but priced as a rare commodity. When the second chance is successful, the results sparkle and shine like no other. When the second chance is a failure, it can be compared to false diamonds - fake and a waste of space.

If you're like me, you give second chances too often. You'd think you would learn to limit them. Unfortunately, having a big heart can be your biggest strength and downfall. Leading with the heart first and the head second has its consequences. Now, I've learned that it's good to give second chances, but you have to think it over first.

Think about how this person makes you feel.

If this person makes you feel like your heart is ripped in half; if this person makes you feel inferior; if this person makes you want to scream from the rooftops and cry a river of tears, then don't give this person a second chance. If you do so, the cycle will repeat itself. This person isn't going to change. He or she is toxic, and your worth and happiness are so much more than him or her. I know this from personal experience. Don’t let this person control your well being.

Sometimes, people have to learn the hard way to realize this. They may be blinded by this person's charm and charisma. He or she will have you eating in the palm of his or her hand, and then you're left feeling empty when he or she takes advantage of you. It can be hard to break free from the spell, but it’s possible. Save yourself before it’s too late.

I gave someone a second chance myself, but he didn’t change.

He wanted all the benefits with no strings attached. He treated me like a toy that he pulled out of the toy box when he felt like it. He made me feel that I didn’t have a voice in how things were going. I felt powerless whenever he was around. Everything was uncertain and a guessing game of when he would appear next. What lured me back every time was the personal hope that he would better himself. I was blinded by this impossibility for so long I let him treat me horribly.

Enough was enough, and I summed up the courage and let him go. I stopped answering his calls and texts. I stopped worrying about where I stood with him. I took the high road, and I started to work on myself for a change. I figured out that it’s better for me to change if he won’t. It took a long time to get over him, but I am now.

I don’t regret giving him another chance, but I wish I would have listened to what others told me. Now I know that it wasn't the right choice, but I wouldn't have known that if I didn't do it in the first place. Life gives us blessings and hard lessons. This was a hard lesson, but it made me realize that I have too much going for myself to let someone string me along and leave me feeling insecure.

You can do it, you're the bigger person.

Please think second chances through carefully. Think about how this person affects all aspects of your life. If there are more ups then downs, then consider it. If it's the opposite, overthink it until you're blue in the face if you have to. Get second opinions from people special to you. They know you better than you know yourself. The responses may surprise you, but it’s good to confide in others.

If you don't give the second chance and getting over this person is difficult, it's normal. Time heals all wounds. The supposed gap that you may feel in your life will fill with happier, more positive things. You eventually will stop replying to his or her calls and texts. You will not miss him or her anymore. You will not feel guilty for not giving him or her another chance to hurt you. You will no longer shed a tear or toss and turn at night. This is when you have officially become a stronger person from all the hurt.

Stop putting this person's wants and needs before your own.

If this person is hurting you, stop giving power to him or her. Stop thinking you'll harm him or her if you cut him or her out of your life. Put yourself first for once. You deserve better treatment. It may be painful, but don't take the easy way out. Don't surrender. Don't bow down.

It’s a great quality to be a caring person. The kind ones are a dying breed. No matter what, always be kind. There will be great adversities and people who will knock you down, but you will rise above. You need to take charge of your life. You’re not a doormat that people can walk all over. Take the risk, and don’t give the chance out like a raffle ticket. Lock it in the safety deposit box that is your heart, and protect yourself.

Give second chances wisely.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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