I wonder sometimes -- most times actually -- at people's attitudes towards life. Don't try new things, don't make mistakes, don't do anything out of the ordinary, don't get your hopes up...



What is the worst that could happen? You can fail. Failure isn't always a bad thing. Usually it's a learning experience. Granted, sometimes failure is painful. Sometimes it gets you into situations you have to get out of. But most of the time, failure is a great teacher.



Consider, for instance, trying to make a marriage work after heartbreak. I'm talking about a specific marriage here -- not mine, a friend's. The worst that could happen (work with me here) is that the spouses realize they aren't meant to be together and can (hopefully) amicably part their ways. Yes, sometimes things don't work out. But these two people are working through problems, seeing counselors, going to church, reading books and working every day on healing their marriage. And, they are happier than I've ever seen them. EVER.



Who am I -- or anyone else -- to bet that it won't work out? And WHY would anyone hinder that positive work by treating either one of the spouses negatively? What possible benefit could it provide to the couple? And why would you talk that way to or about someone you supposedly care about?



I guess maybe they fear the failure or mistakes are too great to overcome. Or they don't believe that people can change for the better. Or their baggage is to heavy to carry so they want to pass it on to someone else. Maybe it's just easier to believe the bad things.



I think the best thing we can teach our children, do for our friends (or family), learn ourselves is to NEVER be afraid to try. Try new foods, new books, new friendships, new careers, new travels, new ideas. If you're more afraid of failing than you are of trying, you might as well not even get out of bed in the morning.