My whole life, I have been taught that everything happens for a reason. Every good thing, heart break, tragedy, triumph - it all has a main purpose for what is supposed to come to you in the future. With all of those events, I was also taught that often times, second chances shouldn't be given. If someone screws you over, it was meant to happen for a reason and it's best to let the past be the past. BUT, why? If everything really does happen for a reason, why shouldn't second chances? I have never been a fan of such chances, and anyone who knows me can vouch that I do not give them out often, if ever. But, I have learned that sometimes you can't help but to give them out, and here's why.
We're all human. Not a single person on this planet is perfect. We all have our faults and we all make mistakes from time to time. Think about when you were younger and you did something wrong and your parents found out and punished you. Did they shun you? No. Did they tell you you were worthless and undeserving of a second chance? No. Everyone has made mistakes and depending on if they learn from their mistakes or not determines if they're deserving of a second chance or not. I know growing up around my teenage years I was TERRIBLE. I lied about boys, texting, where I was going and doing all the time and never once did my parents lose faith in me. They knew I was better than what I was doing and I had to learn on my own that I was, and I did - by getting a second chance every time I messed up.
When I think back on all the times I was given second chances I wondered, "Why? Why do I deserve this". The answer, I realized, is because of love. Those who have granted me many a second chance did so because they love me and see my potential. I've realized that if you really do love someone, why push them away because of the past? Sure, things were bad and they made mistakes and didn't realize what they had in front of them or the things they were doing to them at the time, but who's to say that people can't change and realize their mistakes? If a person is willing to stick around through all kinds of crap, tries to show that they have and will change, and puts all of their effort forth to make that be known, what's the harm in a second chance? I know what you're thinking, if it didn't work out the first time, it won't work the second. That may be true, but you'll never really know until you try. You might get burned again, and if so, it will be a lesson learned and you will be able to know in your heart it wasn't right. But if it does, it could be a million times better than before and be the best thing to happen to you. But, you've never find out if you don't give that second chance.
Lastly, second chances are your decision and no one else's.You're the person being directly affected by the decision. Sure, your friends and family will be there just in case that second chance turns out to be a mistake, but in the long run, it's you who lives with the choice every day. Besides, we ourselves are given a second chance every day. Each day we wake up with the opportunity to start over from the bad day we had before to make it a better one. So, re-take that class you didn't get the A you wanted in. Mend the relationship with your best friend of 10 years. Take back the ex-boyfriend who realized his mistakes and is putting in all his effort to prove it to you that you're the one. You only live one life, so don't waste it with the "what ifs". Give it a second chance, it may be the best decision you ever make.
