Rise from the Ashes

How do you respond to failure? That was the question that lingered in my mind for a while now. As typical of a topic as it may be, I think that really sitting down and dissecting the essence of this question continues to evade some people… including me. As you are reading this, you might remember the numerous instances wherein you might have come across this typical topic. After all, memes and quotes about failures overflow the internet. I can’t count the number of times I read different takes and tips on how to get back up again and I wonder, do we really do those things? What do we actually do after a failure?

Every person has a different answer to this. People exerting much effort and time in order to realize the goals they set for themselves is something that most people can relate to, I assume. However, when we persevered and missed reaching the goal by a hairline, it can make people lose their momentum. Part of being human means acknowledging and validating this experience. However, it’s not an overnight repair. 

A recent event made me witness that allowing ourselves to hurt, for a time, can allow a person to regain their momentum in life. While sitting with the feelings could make us really uncomfortable, and lingering questions of “what’s” and “why’s” could tempt people to lean towards derogatory ideas about themselves, it can also open possibilities that could teach us in order to be better.

I imagine this process like building a campfire. In order to begin, we have to prepare different things: a fire bed and wood (tinder, kindling, and fuel wood) among others. It’s like an analogy to life, we slowly and surely learn what needs to be done, build the foundations, and use our resources properly until it lights up. The process is by all means not easy; sometimes we have to allow ourselves to just be. It also takes support from family, friends, and those who remind us that we are more than capable to move forward. The strength that comes within and around us can help us reignite our will to try again.

Note: This article was previously published in the printed Issue No. 14 of The Corporate, Guide and Style for Professionals Magazine.