As we make our way through the adventure called life, we all go through rough patches where the best thing for us is just a little inspiration. I created the Boyce Manifesto to give you that motivational boost everyone needs now and then. There are my twelve mantras to live by, and today I want to share a story about one of them.
#1: Mistakes Make Good Stories
Most great stories worth sharing over cocoa don’t start with everything going right. Conflict is the source of a good story, as most authors are familiar, but what about in life? Is it the same?
I think so.
It doesn’t mean your life must be the source of strife or struggle to be interesting. Not at all. But if you don’t make mistakes, you aren’t really trying.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Right?
On my wedding day, I married the man of my dreams and smiled so hard it hurt my face. I had a fairytale wedding, complete with foofy dress. And yet, I didn’t check the forecast for the outdoor ceremony. Did it rain. HA yes. Did it ruin my day?
Nope.
I forgot to invite the officiant (the dude marrying us) to the rehearsal.
Oops.
I forgot to ask my aunt to film the speeches and ceremony. We have no record of my Dad’s speech, which made me cry. I have no proof that the best man embarrassed us so badly my cheeks burned red. I have no proof that my man of honor (yeah, my best friend’s a dude) had our guests roaring with laughter.
Oops.
When my hubby and I cut the cake, he accidentally dropped a piece of it and it disappeared into my dress. Seriously, vanished. Green icing on a white dress, and we never found anything more than green streaks.
Heh. Oops.
And yet, I had one of the best nights of my life. It was magic. I danced with my dad, did the macarena, drank mimosas, and sped away in a limo with the man I’m going to love forever.
Mistakes or no, it was perfect. And I’ve been happily married ever since.
When we goof, it’s a chance to learn. Whether there’s a lesson in the mistake itself or a chance for you to learn to shrug off the small things and appreciate the greater picture, mistakes are teachers. And they make great, great stories.
What does this mantra mean to you?
Leave a comment below with your story.
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