I used to wonder what I could have accomplished had I protected my childhood hopes and dreams from the jaded pessimism of society. My pure, innocent belief that dreams can come true — but can they? My dad always said, “Where there is a will, there is Casi” — not the original quote, but invariably accurate. I may not possess the knowledge or capability of tackling a problem with the best possible method, but I consistently find ways to achieve a feasible solution. I never understood my husband, Zack’s resistance. When confronted with an obstacle or problem, his initial response was anger, followed shortly thereafter by resignation. When I inquired as to why he didn’t at least try, he would respond, “I wouldn’t know what to do.” His attitude was alien to me.
It has always been my contention that the only failure was in not having tried at all. I found answers — Zack just gave up. I think his repeated resignation and compliance slowly destroyed his passion for life and at the same time, validated his failures. On many occasions, I insisted to my husband that if he had taken that attitude as an infant, he would have never learned to walk.
A toddler has such determination when he attempts to conquer his world and each of us begins our lives with that incredible resolve. I can’t imagine a little one responding to her mother’s out stretched arms with, “That’s okay mommy, I like to crawl. I’ll just stay down here where it’s familiar and safe and leave the walking to everyone else.” Children begin their lives with conviction, confident that if they try, they can eventually succeed. They may fall down many times in the process, but they are convinced the ultimate outcome will be a success. It’s a shame that experiences and failures can wear people down and define their destiny.
Believing in yourself is the only way to succeed in life. Sometimes you just have to close your eyes and jump in with both feet. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it won’t take long to learn. Initiation by fire? … perhaps, but necessity is the mother of invention. I didn’t even know what a blog was 5 months ago, and now my blog shows up on your Facebook, Twitter and internet browsers. I’m no genius, and I grew up with a pathetic self-image, so if I can find my way, so can you!
Don’t waste your life in a dead end job, toxic relationship or situation. You only have one life to live — As Randy Pausch said, “We don’t beat the reaper by living longer. We beat the reaper by living well and living fully!” My advice: Dare to live your dreams!
Casi