I’m Thankful For Growth…I’m Thankful For My Mistakes

Every Thanksgiving I'm asked the same question. What are you thankful for? And every year I give the same answer, "My health, my family, my path in life". While all of those things are true, this year, they weren't at the top of my list. Because this year, I was most thankful for my mistakes. Allow me to explain.

I've recently learned what bad decision making can lead to. A loss of confidence, a loss of identity, and a loss of companionship were self-diagnosed all within the last six weeks. Losing my best friend was a poignant reminder that I wasn't the person I needed to become. After some time had passed and the weight of my transgressions had lifted, I was left facing one simple question, "Now what"?

It was time to reboot. It was time to become a better version of me, one that I could be proud of. I took my health more seriously, my career and my spirituality more seriously. I'm a long way from where I want to be. In fact, I've only just begun. But looking back in my rearview mirror, I'm a lot farther than I was. My progress is showing.

So, sitting at the dinner table I was asked what I'm thankful for. I'm thankful for second, third and fourth chances. I'm thankful for making mistakes. But more than all of that, I'm thankful for the gift of maturation.