Normally, the word failure is associated with the feeling of loss and downfall. Whether that be a test you failed, a relationship that failed, or an important life plan that failed, we have all experienced the significant feeling of lack of success. There are many times when I thought to myself “If I could just go back I would do (insert plan).” Or “Maybe if I had just done (insert useless plan)” over and over again in my head. However, there are several things that my failures taught me, and for that, I am here to thank you.
To my heartbreak, thank you for teaching me that things don’t always work out the way you want them to. If it had not been for you, I would have never been prompted to seek the man that God has specifically crafted for me. Most importantly, I would not have strived to be a fearless, confident, yet humble human being and I would have never truly understood the true meaning of loving exactly who I am. For that, I thank you.
To my friendships, thank you for helping me to see that being a good friend is more about admitting when you are wrong instead of letting pride get in the way, putting others before myself, and above all, encouraging those around me to be the very best versions of themselves.
To my failures, thank you for teaching me that a number on a piece of paper does not define me, and scores and rankings are only according to a certain standard. Thank you for teaching me that success is not decided by a university or club or group of prestigious people. Success is defined by your happiness and how hard you are willing to work for your goals. While things like tests and studying are important, thank you for teaching me that sometimes you have to get knocked down in order to realize the importance of simply getting back up.
Finally, I am thankful for every tear that I have ever cried. For all of the times I thought it would never get better, for all of the times I thought “Why me?” and for all of the times that I thought that nothing was in my favor, I say thank you. I am thankful for a life that has taught me that not everything is fair and not everything works out the way you want it to. I can say this much, though, it WILL work out for the best. That class you thought defined your intelligence prompted you to strive on another path. That heartbreak you thought would never get better makes you look at yourself and realize that someone will cherish every single part of you someday. Those tears you cried at night will only remind you that you fought back. Life’s lessons teach us to see victory in a whole different aspect. Be a victor, not a victim, and always be thankful.
