In the fairytales, the heroes and heroines overcome one or two major problems, and then they live “happily ever after.” It sounds idyllic and wonderful, but… I imagine it might be pretty boring and awfully monotonous. I like the phrase “happy for now,” because how can we enjoy our triumphs and relish the feeling of contentment if every day is the same?
Cinderella gained a hundred and fifty pounds, and wonders if her marriage to Prince Charming will survive. Snow White develops eczema, the Beast loses everything in a Ponzi scheme, or Simba faces challenges from Scar’s offspring. Life happens, which is why failure is necessary.
When someone triumphs despite everything, celebrate that moment, but recognize it can’t last forever. I’ve received rejection letters, been told I’ll “Never amount to anything,” failed at marriage (the first one!), am a high-school dropout, and was a teen-aged father. Would I be who I’ve become without those perceived “failures.?” Probably not.
When life punches you in the mouth, it’s all about how you recover. If every day and every season were perfect, we would have no barometer for happiness. I earned a GED, have almost enough college credits for a degree (one day!), am a proud daddy and grandfather, fair-to- middling as a husband, and am chasing daydreams on a daily basis. The fear of failure pushes me, while at the same time forcing me to acknowledge the moments of contentment, fulfillment, and happiness.
It’s all about pushing through, despite failure. Keep on swimming.
