Second Chances
What are they and how do we utilize them? The definition of what they are greatly depends on the individual you ask. If you ask someone who has come out of a relationship of almost any type, hoping to be able to rekindle the relationship with better circumstances and outcomes; a second chance is the ability to have a do-over. On the other hand, if you ask someone coming out of a relationship of varying types and all they wish to do is move on; find another option and take a leap of faith on something totally new; that is also a second chance.
Second chances are not limited to our romantic relationships. We may find ourselves struggling in many aspects of our lives. Our jobs, our business community, our familial ties, our friends and the list could go on. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your personal outlook, things do not remain the same. Life moves around us, we live day to day, we experience new things, we experience old things in new ways and regardless of our wishes; we change and those around us change. We are the sum of all of our experiences.
In all of our relationships and obligatory day-to-day activities, we and those in our lives either roll with the changes and adapt to enjoy them or we determine we don’t want to embrace the changes and desire to embark on another path. Is either right or wrong?
In most situations we find that second chances most often develop out of hardships. The thought and fear of leaping into that second chance is not borne of us lounging in our comfort zones. Most of us enjoy the warmth and familiarity of our daily routines, comforting cadences and the people locked there with us. That wish for a second chance; whether for the lost familiarity or the boldness of new choices can be terrifying.
Those who leap from the platform are passionate and often possess the tenacity to be unreasonable as they march forward. Knowing that the leap of passion simply may not be enough. They may fail. If they fail; can they afford to try again? Do they love themselves enough to move out of their own path and can they risk disappointing those who are supposedly supporting them unconditionally?
Perhaps our first chance is provided by luck and if you’re lucky enough; it works. However, if the luck doesn’t last our second chance is by choice. After all, life is about choice, chance and change. Can we convince ourselves to make the choice that will allow us the chance to change? The decision is individual and more often not; it is not an easy one.
I’ve spoken of second chances, but many of us are on our third, fourth and maybe even higher in count. Some would argue that we’re not taking second, third or fourth chances; we are simply taking advantage of opportunities. Opportunities present themselves every day, each year (except Leap Year) we have 365 opportunities to start fresh. We can make new choices and change our outcome, what those choices lead to can be shaped by you.
Do you walk away from things you’ve known forever and pursue new adventures and new dreams? Or do you reshape the dreams you already know? The choice is yours, take the opportunity or the chance. It doesn’t matter what number you are on, you are your own master. LEAP!
SGHR