Dare To Live Without Limits

It's OK to be human; mistakes are a part of life

We can see and accept imperfections in others. However, we are frequently hard on ourselves. Quick self-condemnation occurs if we make a mistake or suffer a setback. Perhaps there is regret over past decisions. No one is perfect. No one gets it right the first time. It's OK to be human like the rest of us.
Mistakes are a normal part of life. There is nothing wrong with you because you make them. It's not something to be ashamed of. Mistakes are how you learn. When you make a mistake, you must first assess what happened and why and then pick yourself up and keep going.
Don't take yourself too seriously all the time. Everyone does silly and funny things. Sometimes these actions are intentional, other times they are accidental. It's OK to laugh at yourself. Laughing at yourself relieves stress. People who can make light of themselves are viewed as being modest and considered affable. It is more comfortable to be around someone who pokes fun at their own gaffes than a person who is grimly serious.
Being human means being unique. Your perceptions, dreams, goals, desires, personality, and aptitudes are yours alone. You don't need to compare yourself to others. Someone else can't live your life and you can't live theirs.
People have different aptitudes. Not everyone is "gifted." No one is good at all things. You are born with certain abilities. Some tasks will come to you easily while others require much more effort. At times, you may feel deficient because you are comparing yourself to someone else. This comparison is unproductive.
Being human means you are free to change, improve, and grow. You have free will along with independent thought. If you don't like something, change it. You do not start out at a destination; you have to work to get there. It's up to you to determine what happens with your life.
Not everyone will like you; they don't have to. You won't like everyone; you don't have to. It's part of being human. You are not a bad person because you don't care for certain individuals. There is nothing wrong with you just because someone is not fond of you.
It's OK to gravitate to those with whom you feel comfortable. It is disingenuous to be a chameleon for the purpose of being accepted by everyone. Be who you are. If you have personality attributes you are unhappy with, change them for the sake of being a better person, not so you will be accepted.
Being human means you will have emotional ups and downs. Emotional fluctuations are normal. Of course, you would rather feel good than bad. But there's nothing abnormal about having a bad day or feeling off. Don't get hung up on it. Whenever you feel bummed out, recall thoughts of happiness. It's always good to start each day by reviewing everything you have to be grateful for.
Being human means recognizing the world doesn't revolve around you. Each person likes to feel important. You are no better or worse than anyone else. You are not the only one who faces challenges. Everyone has to solve problems and overcome obstacles. What separates people is how they deal with the issues facing them.
Have fun. Laugh a lot. Life is meant to be enjoyed. Life is not an exact science, it's an adventure. There are many situations you can't control, so don't get frustrated. Make the best of your circumstances. Get up whenever you stumble. Learn From your mistakes. You are only human. Enjoy your journey.

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2023 Bryan Golden