McNary: Finding joy in Fails and Firsts

By Loretta McNary

A few days ago, I asked myself what I should share this week. Without hesitation, my mind was filled with “Fails and Firsts”. However, I could not commit to the title at the time, and I had no idea this title would hijack my mind. I tried to fill my mind with other topics like Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday. Both were celebrated on the exact same day this year! I personally celebrated both! I thought about sharing my favorite Valentine’s Day gift ideas. Nothing. I just stared at my computer screen. For three days nothing. As you can tell, the first title won. 

Without a doubt, my life’s journey has been a wild ride, full of twists, turns, bad decisions and unexpected detours. But buried within the chaos, I discovered pathways that lead to opportunities that helped propel me closer to my dreams. However, on our life’s journey to our dreams, fear is there blocking most of the entranceways. And like most people, we feel paralyzed by the thought of trying something new and failing. The good news is, we have the power to defeat fear.  Yes, you read that right – failure isn’t something to dread, but rather a golden opportunity for growth and self-discovery. 

And those exhilarating firsts? They’re the blueprint that will guide us toward our dreams. So, buckle up and get ready to welcome failure and embrace the rollercoaster of life like never before!

First, let’s debunk the myth that failure is the antithesis of success. It’s an essential ingredient, a necessary catalyst for growth and transformation. We should stop counting each mistake, misstep, and setback as a mark of defeat. They are a testament to our bravery. It takes courage to step into the unknown, to pursue our passions despite the looming threat of failure. And when we do stumble, it’s not a signal to retreat but an invitation to recalibrate, to glean invaluable lessons from our setbacks and emerge stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever before.

Now say this out loud three times: “Failing can lead to victory”. In fact, it can be our trusty sidekick on the road to success. Think of it as our own personal cheerleader, cheering us on as we stumble, fumble, and occasionally face-plant your way through life’s trials and tribulations. Because here’s the thing – every failure is a lesson in disguise, it is really a chance for us to become more confident in developing new skills and talents. Failing can teach us what not to do the next time.

Take it from me – I’ve had my fair share of epic fails. From botched sales calls, apologies, to disastrous cooking experiments, I’ve seen it all. But you know what? Each failure taught me something valuable – resilience, perseverance, and the importance of laughing at myself when things go south. So, the next time you find yourself face-to-face with failure, don’t sweat it. Embrace it, learn from it, and come back even stronger. I believe we should start celebrating failure because it is proof that we made a step toward facing our fears. That’s a big deal in my book!

Now, let’s talk about firsts – I am not talking about firsts that get us in the history books, or bragging rights at the family reunion or in the Guinness Book of World Records, but we can aim that high, later. I am talking about those magical moments that make life worth living. Whether it’s your first time stepping onto a stage, our first solo trip abroad, writing that first page in our first book, or our first attempt at mastering a new hobby, there’s something undeniably exhilarating about leaping heart and feet-first into the unknown.

But here’s the kryptonite– firsts can be downright horrifying. The fear of the unfamiliar, the fear of disappointment, the fear of looking like a fool – it’s enough to send even the bravest warrior running for the hills. But guess what? Fear is just “false evidence appearing real”, my friend. Fear exists primarily to be conquered.

So, the next time you find yourself hesitating to try a new adventure, remember this: the only way to grow and succeed is to push past your comfort zone. Tell the butterflies in your stomach to align, take a deep breath, and take that first step. Because trust me, the view from the other side is magnificent. (And the Bible tells me we are more than conquerors!)

We all know that life is sometimes messy, chaotic, and downright unpredictable. But within that madness lies a tapestry of a beautiful truth – there is joy in fails and there is joy in firsts. After all, it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up again. And remember – every great adventure begins with a single step. 

I want to encourage you to fail! Who knows, your next epic fail, can quite possibly lead you to an exhilarating first. Embrace it, cherish it, and let it propel you toward the life of your dreams. You deserve to live your life on your terms, not on the sidelines wishing you could play. I believe in you! 

Take that leap! You will either fly or fail. Either outcome makes you a winner because you are an overcomer!

Loretta McNary is our Lifestyles contributor. Catch “The Loretta McNary Show” on her channels, including broadcast TV, YouTube, Facebook, her website, and elsewhere.