Brilliant Mistakes

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“It was a  fine idea at the time; now it’s a brilliant mistake.”

When I first heard these lyrics by Elvis Costello years ago I took them literally — a good idea had gone disastrously wrong. But when I heard the song again last week I liked the idea of a mistake that was brilliant. So often actions we take may look risky or odd to others and yet, in hindsight they turn out to be brilliant. Either they themselves turned out well or they led to other brilliant ideas or outcomes.

Not all of us succeed in every endeavor. And yet, we continue to inch out on that limb. Why? Because that’s where the sweetest fruit grows.

Taking risks and trying to live a balanced and centered life do not have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, they may be perfect complements to one another. Listen and act on fine ideas as much as you try out the bad ones, embracing them and hoping that one is indeed a brilliant mistake. That will be the one that takes you out on that limb. And once you are there, grab your reward and bite into the most exquisite fruit of all.

 

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5 thoughts on “Brilliant Mistakes”

  1. Beautiful words, Liese, from a guy whose made, and continues to make, many mistakes. Fortunately some have been good, hoping some can be categorized as brilliant some day.

    Thank you for always writing thought provoking posts. I look forward to each and every one.

    King

  2. When something that seemed so brilliantly easy goes so brilliantly wrong -it’s sometimes hard to stop snowball of brilliantly bad actions that happen despite every best effort to make it right.

    I had that happen to me and although the lesson was hard and difficult, I am determined to make it brilliantly positive and a teachable moment for the future.

    I’m a little bruised and banged up but I’m still here and walking and talking.

    Thank you for always seeming to have words that I can take to heart Liese.

  3. Every body remembers that life is high priced, nevertheless different people require money for different things and not every one gets enough money. Hence to get good loans and bank loan would be good solution.

  4. For me there's nothing wrong to commit mistakes. Those mistakes should be taken in a positive way and we should learn from it. I am no saint and have committed sometimes the same mistake over again but it always remind me that I am only human and I can do better than that mistake. And its a positive way to continue on living and hoping for the best that life can give. And yeah I agree those mistakes are guide that may lead to worse or lead you to a brilliant idea.

    Thank you so much for reminding us of what mistakes do to our lives. It always remind us to do better for ourselves and for other people.

    Jan Robert