Promise #21: Rock with Lesson

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Failure has a sister named Lesson. She’s much more pleasant to rock out with.

Lesson isn’t judgmental or argumentative. She’s not nasty or condescending. In fact, she’s refreshingly bright and engaging. The minute you meet her, she makes you feel like the most enlightened person in the world. It’s just her way.

I met Lesson when I was six. I wandered away from my house, was picked up by a borough official and promptly (luckily) returned to my mother. Lesson was standing in the driveway. It was tough to understand her with all the screaming and yelling, but once things quieted down she and I became very good friends. She didn’t mind hanging out on the couch with me until my dad came home. She’s good like that.

Our relationship has certainly grown. She’s reeled me through the years one event at a time…here are some highlights from 2009-2010:

• If you’re not excited to get out of the bed in the morning, then roll over and keep dreaming until you’re ready
• Stop worrying about what everyone else is thinking because chances are they’re not really thinking about you
• NO is a magical word that delivers great joy to those who use it wisely
• Laugh lines are the sign of a really good life
• Last person at the party is a rotten egg, leave before the lights go out, it’s easier to find the door
• Karma always has your back

Sometimes Lesson’s visits cost me a fortune. Sometimes they’re just a big, fat, emotional funfest. One thing is for sure: regardless of the amount of time we spend together I always walk away a little bit stronger…a little bit smarter.

I just wish she’d call and let me know she’s coming…I’m always so freaking surprised to see her barreling through the door.