Crap Happens.
You know the more colorful phrase.
Bad things happen. Sometimes bad things happen because of our stupidity (guilty!), and sometimes bad things happen and that is just life.
“Nothing bad has happened in my life”
I had lunch with a friend today, in his mid twenties, who said, “Nothing bad has really happened in my life”
This isn’t uncommon for people my age. They had great childhoods. They didn’t see a family member struggle with mental illness. They haven’t faced any real major obstacles in their life.
When I encounter someone like this, my reactions split. Part of me feels envious, and the other feels sorry for them. When stuff hits the fan (and it will eventually), how will they handle it?
When it comes to money, some people make mistakes early in life (me!), others get hit with an illness or job loss and have no control over their circumstances.
Mistakes just make us human right?
It’s how we respond to those mistakes that define our paths in life.
I choose not to give up after I had to confront my massive trading losses. I was very tempted to give in. To just run away, and try to avoid the horrific pain I knew would be coming.
I’m glad I faced the fire. I have learned things in the past 3 years that I never would have had I not screwed up so royally.
It’s funny how sometimes our greatest mistakes can turn into the most opportune learning experiences. I know that’s been true in my life, and I imagine it’s better true of many of you as well.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I think you’re right. Mistakes make us better people. I’m one to make decisions based on opportunity–perhaps a gambler at heart–I’ve taken jobs not because of the job, but because of the opportunity it could present. I’ve also sometimes ended up miserable in ill-fitting jobs, or jobs with lots of promise that ended up on further examination, kind of dead-ends. I’ve also taken jobs that had nothing to do with my career path, simply for the adventure. I’m glad I’m finally self-employed and can expoore those avenues without putting my career or sanity at risk. That’s where I’ve made the most mistakes though.
Strength.
It’s certainly sobering after screwing up and dealing with the natural consequences of stupid decisions. I got the whole freaken humble pie this time, but beneficial to thinking less of myself and realizing its not just about me but everyone else.
Selflessness. Giving.
…love.
I transferred from a life of taking to a life of giving- and found that it really is more rewarding to give than receive. Almost like I came out a better person after screwing up than I was before.
hey thanks for your blog.
Hey there DK,
Crap does happen indeed and sometimes it’s not your fault. I think we just have to roll with our punches and learn from our mistakes.
That’s why they always say “crafty” or “wily” veteran in my tennis leagues. They may not look good, but they have the experience to make them WIN!
Best.
Financial Samurai – “Slicing Through Money’s Mysteries”
…That it could usually be worse.
Taking the steps to come to peace with the situation allows us to move on, and try to learn and grow from the unfortunate situation. Life can be full of “it”…it’s our perspective that will determine the ultimate outcome.