The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. ~Nelson Mandela

Failure has attained quite the negative connotation. Failing a test, failed relationships, losing a job, getting a bad review. For many, the first reaction to failing is fear. Fear that our failures will define us as a person–a bad student, an unlovable partner, a poor employee, an inferior artist. At its core, we are afraid that if we fail, we will be exposed as not being worthy enough or perfect enough for a society that applauds five-star perfection.

But what if we shifted our mindset ever so slightly toward the positive by looking at failure not as an indicator of success, but as an opportunity?

A redirection towards something never considered, but infinitely better, such as a new job or career, going back to school to learn something new, spending more time on your dreams, or establishing stronger boundaries in relationships.

A chance to grow spiritually by learning to love yourself as you are. (Because you ARE amazing!)

By doing everything in our power to avoid failure, we necessarily start living small to stay within a zone of safety that, while comfortable, keeps us from realizing the true potential of human imagination, creativity and purpose. In other words, living in true freedom. 

And isn’t living in true freedom the ultimate reason for our existence?

If you have failed or fallen down in some area of your life, start looking at how you have been redirected, and discover the glory that awaits you as you rise.