Failure hurts.
A lot.
I don’t know anyone who actually enjoys failing, not reaching a goal, who’s happy when something they wanted so badly slips through their hands and turns out exactly how they never imagined.
I had one REALLY BIG, juicy goal I wanted to achieve by October 1.
And, despite my best, most sparkly efforts, it didn’t happen.
It slipped through my hands and turned out exactly how I never imagined.
And, I was crushed.
CRUSHED.
After wallowing in disappointment, questioning myself and my abilities, for the weekend an evening – cheeks tear-stained, eyes swollen the size of apples, mascara chunks everywhere – well, quite honestly, I’m still deflated.
Amid the panicky pit in my stomach and the knot in my throat, I don’t quite know where to go… only that it’s not where I currently am. It’s definitely not where I am.
What I do know is that everything happens for a reason. With every single ounce of my being, I know this is true. I don’t know why at this very moment, but I do know that something bigger + better is just around the corner – and that this had to happen to make space for it.
So, chin up, buttercup.
I’m taking this minor setback, a change in course, as a lesson learned and moving on to the next big thing, right now.
Not achieving this goal is propelling me to set even bigger bad ass goals – and preparing me to crush them over and over and over again.
31 Comments
<3 we've all been there.
Indeed, we have, and we’re all stronger because of it. Thanks, dear 🙂
We’ve all been there. <3
So perfect, Erin! There is a reason for everything & the next “thing” will be even better! So….Chin up, Buttercup!
Love, Mom
Thank you, Mom! On to even more exciting things 🙂
over the past few weeks i have been reflecting on this whole “failure” stuff. “failing”i is SO frustrating, devastating, irritating, etc, etc, etc, etc. i actually just wrote a blog on this exact same topic tonight (somewhat ironic). i know you have a lot of books you are reading right now, but John Maxwell’s “Failing Forward” would fill this void in your heart/soul/mind. keep putting one foot in front of the next and know that this will only make you stronger!
Really?! That’s crazy we’re on the same wavelength! I’ll pop over to your blog tonight for a read… and, then we’ll have to talk about it all over coffee next weekend 🙂
Thank you for the book recommendation… added to my list!
They say life can only be understood backwards and someday, maybe next week, maybe next year, maybe in 50 years…you’ll see why things didn’t go as planned right now! Everything happens for a reason. Life is just a serious of stepping stones, one big journey. It will work out, keep your chin up!
Thank you, lady! Love that phrase… life can only be understood backwards. What fun would it be if you knew everything that was around the corner anyway, right?! 🙂
I always say, it’s feedback not failure. Hang in there!!!
Thanks, lovely cuz! xoxo.
You got it right, Sis! Everything DOES happen for a reason. A reason you will learn sometime down the road, and then it will all make sense! You have a lot of supporters cheering for you and I know good things will come your way soon! 🙂 xoxo
So happy you’re my sis and to have you in my corner 🙂 xoxo.
XOXO.
🙂 xoxo.
So sorry to hear this!! Very soon you will look back an be able to make sense of it–hills and valleys my friend!! 🙂 xoxo
Thanks so much, friend! xoxo 🙂
This happened to me; actually in the thick of it, BUT it made me change my course…and I am sensing that its right where I NEED to be.
Chins up togetha.
Good vibes your way, dear. We’ll both get through this and emerge on the other side so much stronger! Things have a funny way of working out 🙂
Things do happen for a reason and you can’t possibly know whey until the the right thing happens. Until then, feel the sadness and look forward to when the right things come along. At least this is what I tell myself to do. Maybe it just all means that it’s about time we got together for a coffee or wine!!!
I would love to get together for wine or coffee! High time we do 🙂
OK Erin, the disappointment I get. But the questioning yourself and your abilities I can’t support and in your heart of hearts you really don’t either. And I too believe that things happen for a reason. And I hope that the reason presents itself soon (too).
I like the chin up buttercup saying. A nurse said it to me a few weeks back and at first I was insulted because I thought she called me a buttercup, but my mind went to butterball. Made you smile though, didn’t it.
Hang in there kiddo, even more good things are coming your way 🙂
It’s true, Mary. The second guessing has been happening far too long, making me forget what I am truly capable of. There’s a glimmer, though, so I’m hopeful!
Thank you! And, yes, you made me smile 🙂
Thinking of you Erin! I was recently reminded of the saying “everything happens for a reason” this spring. I had a few interviews with a company and although I wasn’t exactly thrilled about the position, the company was cool and I really wanted a full-time job. They went with another candidate (after I totally thought I had it) and the next week I applied to the job that I currently have. The job I got is 100% perfect for me and I’m BEYOND happy there…if I would have gotten the other job, I would never be where I am today. I was super bummed, but now I’m able to look back with gratitude! (sorry, super long)
Your story gives me hope, Emily! Thank you SO much for sharing 🙂 xoxo.
Never forget all the amazing things that you have done, you of course know that goals are set for a reason to challenge yourself. See the good and learning opportunity in everything. You are a rockstar, chin up! 🙂
Wise words, Amine… thank you 🙂
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Been through that a lot. Seems like it never gets easier, but the dreams just get bigger 🙂 Miss you Erin! I wanna ride bikes again!
Oh, I love that… they do get bigger and bigger and juicer 🙂
I miss you, too, Missy! I’m so grateful you taught me how to bike and for your friendship! Pretty sure I need to make a trip to Cali 🙂
Come out here! I got a spare bedroom complete with bike decor just waiting for you! And super close to the beach too 🙂