November 29th
Power Tools
Full disclaimer! This is not about Power Tools. It’s about power tools.
Having established that our nation is in turmoil, or as I like to refer to it as a tempête de merde, we must not lose sight that we have the power to create rewarding lives regardless of the turbulence around us.
I thought it best to dust off our power tools and remind us all that we are unique, vibrant and dazzling creations and we have within us the ability to thrive.
Throughout your life, you are constantly gathering new “tools”. And as life presents itself, we will often look to those tools to either fix a situation or create an opportunity.
Making successful changes in your life include three significant power tools: Mistakes, Failures and Ignorance. You don’t often hear those three words associated with success. The truth is that powerful life changing decisions can be found by recognizing the message in each of these.
We can utilize these tools everyday to move forward in our lives. Creating our dreams into reality and our challenges into amazing accomplishments.
I believe that mistakes are guides. It’s all in how you see it. Most of us move forward in a direction that at the time seems right. When it appears that we have made what we refer to as a mistake, we have decided that it was the wrong thing to have done. The key word is appears. Mistakes are like colors! Not everybody sees it in the same way. What if, instead of looking at the outcome as a mistake, we see it as a guide that simply signifies a change in the direction? What if we looked at it as a positive move in the right direction instead of a negative failure?
Which brings me to failures. One of the greatest failures of all times was the invention of the electric light. As an inventor, Thomas Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. When a reporter asked, “How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?” Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.”
I have experienced the joy of failure many times. In that failure, I can see other options on how to solve the issue. So it didn’t work this time. Just because I tried one way, it doesn’t mean that I can’t achieve my goal. Try another! Keep going! The next step just might be the answer!
My favorite of the three is ignorance.
Ignorance is usually associated with negative. The ignorance of many has led to great misconceptions and volatile situations. Again, what if we looked at ignorance as a roadblock designed to prevent negative thought patterns encroaching into your pursuits and achievements.
I recently read a quote from William Hutchison Murray on ignorance.
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves, too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”
Never could I imagine the power of ignorance in this way. Yet, if we pursue a new path with wonder and excitement, instead of fear and hesitancy, old programing and old voices that echo defeat will disappear. Every moment of our lives is new! Why take old programing with us that jeopardize that? Can you imagine the countless new adventures and experiences furthered by ignorance?
Grab those power tools and remember that mistakes are guides. Failures are steps and ignorance is a tool to success! It will only bring you closer to your new you!
Ignorant and Proud.
About Heidi:

I can’t tell you how much Heidi’s blogs mean to the Spotlight. I appreciate how she brings her own POV and compassion to all that she writes. I also like that Heidi is not afraid to step out and say what’s on her mind. This blog has a spiritual side to it that I especially like. Thank you Wanda and Heidi for bringing your talents to the world. It is needed.
Thank you for your comment. I love Heidi’s blogs too. She has a fresh way of saying things & I love her humor.
While I like her work, sometimes I think that she dances on the line!
She does speak from her heart!
She is most grateful for the opportunity to share humor and old lady insight!