CP = lots of failures

How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?

I used to think of myself as a failure, coward, and a whole host of other self-deprecating thoughts and put downs. As I’ve grown, I have come to see that every setback, every ‘failure’, every time I’ve had a false start has been a good thing in the long term.

My top 5: 

• Starting my education in Special Ed. I was teased relentlessly by my classmates in my mainstream classroom. The foundation that special education provided made me strong enough to withstand all the teasing and bullying. Eventually, I graduated in the top half of my high school class.
• Dropping out of college twice. The first time I walked away from my education, I was  newlywed. The second time, I was disenfranchised and burnt out. The last time I went back to school, I had a sense of purpose. I knew what I wanted to be when I was done with my education. I had the support of my husband and others in my community. And, I graduated with a degree without more debt and, in the top half of my graduating class.
• Infertility. My body for a multitude of potential root causes could not maintain a pregnancy.  When we decided that we did not want to go into mountains of debt to have biological children, we opened our hearts to other opportunities. That led to meeting our son and helping other families be reunited.
• Being diabetic. I was pre-diabetic for a very long time. When it became apparent that my lifestyle changes were not enough, I went to the doctor. The numbers were scary, but I was committed. We got it under control. Life then intervened, and I went without meds for too long and backslid. When I had to go on insulin and a few other meds, I was determined to get it under control. So, different meds that I could tolerate better. Different exercise routine and, most recently, a better meal plan. I’m healthier than I was prediagnosis.
• Not driving until I was older. I had 4 kids under 18 in my home before I got my license. But, when I was finally able to overcome the fear, so many avenues opened up… including getting the job/career that I love.