Fail Spectacularly

It’s been a rough couple of weeks, but I’ve learned something new about myself. Something that will help me in my personal life, and something that will help me in my career. I have discovered that I’m not afraid to fail spectacularly.

Oh, failure used to be my number one fear. I spent so many years not daring to write at all because I didn’t want to find out that I wasn’t any good at it. I seldom tried out for things because what if I failed? I have never, ever, not once, asked a guy out on a date. Even when I was a young girl, the word “No” would crush me. My soul was built of glass. Much too delicate to survive in this world.

But life has toughened me. I took on one of the scariest, most scarring jobs in the world and survived. I’ve learned how to deal rather adeptly with a disability that I thought would cripple our family, but instead taught us what unconditional love and real strength is. I was just rejected by The New Yorker and I don’t care. It doesn’t wound me. There are worse things in the world than failure. I’m just surprised that it took me so long to realize it.

I was discussing jewelery making with a new friend of mine. She works at a salon, and offered to sell my jewelry there. My first thought was, “Oh, no, I couldn’t.” But then I thought about it again. It’s a great opportunity. It would be a pleasure to know that somebody is walking around the streets of Vegas wearing my art. And if nobody is interested, then that’s okay, too! It’s not a personal rejection, and I shouldn’t take it as such. Why be afraid? What do I have to lose? The biggest leaps of faith give us the biggest gains. And if I’m going to fail, why not make it a spectacular, wonderful ride all the way down?

14 Comments on “Fail Spectacularly”

  1. Congrats! I hope everything takes off for you. You’ll have to update us on how it’s going and whether you decide to put up a website, too.

    Happy Jewelry Making,
    Jessica

  2. I’ve been rejected by The New Yorker, too! *high fives*

    And…yeah. Fail again. Fail better. Fail with style. And darlin’, you’ve got style in spades.

    Which is why you’ll succeed.

  3. Haha, thanks, Jessica! I’m excited to do different things. It’s much more interesting that way, so this could be great. πŸ˜€

    Simon! Which story did you send? Have I read it? Took me years to get up the courage to send something to TNY, and I was surprised at being unfazed by the rejection. Sweet.

    This is also why I adore you. Thank you!

  4. Mercedes, I once wallpapered a decent sized “loo” with rejection notices. It reminded me of who I was and what I needed to do to get published. I quit writing so much when I was working 60 to 80 hours a week but I never stopped completely, no matter how much rejection I encountered.

    We all fail and some of us, as you so eloquently stated, fail spectacularly. Never be afraid to take a risk, it is always better to try and fail than never to take a risk at all.

    Good luck with your jewelry making venture and continued writing.

    Cheers,

    Ardee-ann the queen of failing spectacularly! πŸ˜‰

  5. It is through our failures that we grow – but only if we choose to – many choose to shut down and stop trying. Not you!!!!

    P.S. At last night’s Philly Lit Night – I met the one, the only Simon – and we gushed about what a tremendous person you are. Just had to let you know ; )

  6. This was exactly what I needed to read today, when trying to decide which project to focus on – one I’m fairly sure I can pull off, or the other, which scares the bejeezus out of me ’cause I don’t think I’m good enough to do the idea justice. There are many things to fear in this world…the negative thoughts (in, or outside my own head) shouldn’t be one of them. Thanks Mercedes.

  7. I was always afraid of failure, too. I think it helped me do better in school in some ways, but it most ways, it’s very debilitating. It’s been a long road realizing that other people’s opinions of me really aren’t that important! I’d love to see pictures of your jewelry though — everything you do, you do with style!

  8. Ooooo…a New Yorker rejection. You know and I know rejection isn’t failure, but wooooooo does it feel like it. Best of luck with the jewlery–are you going to sell on Etsy?

  9. You always have such a great attitude, M. Mucho respect and all that goes with it. I hope you sell a bunch of jewelry! I didn’t even know you made it! And you’ll sell many more stories and books. I have no doubt.

  10. I have a phrase above my computer that states: “If you lack the courage to start, you have already finished.”

    It makes me believe in myself everytime I start to think differently. Best wishes and stay positive.

Leave a Reply to K.M. Walton Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *