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They always say learn from your mistakes…I’ve made a few of those in my time, not to mention doing some things in ways that I didn’t quite imagine. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, I am trying to focus on what I’ve learnt from my experiences to get me to where I am today.

I “failed” to finish my university degree in the time it was “supposed” to take…but instead I gained valuable life experience and confirmation that what I had chosen to do as my career truly was, and still is, something that I passionately enjoy. I am a primary school teacher and I love my job. It’s hard, challenging, requires a lot from me and is rewarding in so many ways. I have now been a teacher long enough (and at the same school for long enough) that I have been able to see students I had in Kindergarten graduate from Year 6.

I “failed” to have any significant relationships until I was in my 30’s…when I met my husband through an online dating site. We developed a friendship, which turned into love, which has now turned into the partnership I value above all others. He is my best friend, my love and now the father of my two children. He has given me the life that I never even knew I wanted or could have.

I “failed” to give birth naturally, or even without a bit of drama – twice…but learned that my body can do amazing things and I have the strength to breathe through pain, get up and walk when it feels like everything hurts far too much and that the most amazing little bundles of joy can make you respect (not forget) the pain that it took to get them here in my arms.

I often “fail” to be the nice, calm person I would like to be…but I know that I would do anything to protect my family, friends and loved ones. I have friends who I value for a wide range of gifts they bring to my life – who in turn know that in me they have a friend for life who will always be there to laugh, cry, love, celebrate, commiserate and share life with.

I “fail” to have the body I would like…but I continue working to improve my health and wellbeing. I want to be able to have my sons think of their mum as someone who cared for their health as well as my own; who is able to play and enjoy life with them as they grow; who can show them that mums can play sport, eat healthy and be positive in my lifestyle choices.

I “fail” to always be the relaxed, calm mum that I may wish sometimes I could be…instead my boys will know that manners are important; a person’s character is just as, if not more so, attractive as how they may look; cleaning up your mess is an important responsibility; and that no matter what, I am always here for them, to help them and hug them and above all, love them for who they are and the great people that I already see them becoming.

I often “fail” to be as succinct as I might like to be…but I hope that here I have been able to get my message across to you who choose to read this – life doesn’t always work out how we would like it to, but we can choose to see where else it could take us in becoming who we would like to be.

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Posted by elmo77, 27th September 2013