Turning Distress into Action: Lessons from Failure

Posted in faithTagged , , , , ,

“Failure is only an opportunity to begin again more intelligently.” – Henry Ford

My mom said our prayer before dinner on Monday night. One snippet resonated deeply with how I’ve been feeling when I listen to the news these days.

I don’t have her words exactly right but it was something like, “Dear Lord, helps us with the distressing current events.” Then she added something like, “Lord, we trust you are at work in the world. Please help us to see how.”

I’ve come to realize that political failure is a lot like personal and professional failure. There’s a period to grouse about it, at least for a bit. But mostly it’s an invitation to work hard to learn from it and use it as motivation for change.

I realize that when I feel in agreement with my local and national leaders, I’m not very involved in politics. But when I feel like the actions of our leaders are reckless, cruel, divisive, greedy, and/or misaligned with our values, I’m fired up to do something. Whether it’s being of service, contributing where’s there’s need, or reaching out to representatives, I’m far more willing to jump in.

I’m not a fan of failure – but I have to admit it’s a great motivator. I’d love for there to be an easy answer to my mom’s prayer but I suspect that getting involved is one component.

(featured photo from Pexels)

You can find me on Instagram @wynneleon and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynneleon/

I co-host a storytelling podcast featuring authors and artists with the amazing Vicki Atkinson. To tune in, search for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music or Pocketcasts (and subscribe) or click here. Or the YouTube channel features videos of our interviews. Please subscribe!

My other projects include work as a CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer), speaking about creativity and AI through the Chicago Writer’s Association, and my book about my journey to find what fueled my dad’s indelible spark and twinkle can be found on Amazon: Finding My Father’s Faith.

52 thoughts on “Turning Distress into Action: Lessons from Failure”

  1. It seems distressing current events are a common thread throughout history. I agree that we can’t sit passively by and we need to get involved in whatever way we can. For the most part, Canadians are an easygoing people but, in light of the threats in recent weeks, I’ve seen an increased sense of national pride.

    We live in interesting times…

    Liked by 3 people

  3. Your mom’s prayer is lovely and to the point. There is definitely something to be said about us being lit up internally and fired up to speak up and fight back against political leaders whose stance at don’t agree with. It is so distressing reading the news these days and I try to remind myself to focus on things that I can control. Hang in there, Wynne!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. You know I love your mama’s prayer…and the inclusion of the plea, ‘please help us to see how’.
    Keeping our eyes open – celebrating those who are serving, getting involved.
    Thank you for sharing, Wynne. 💕

    Liked by 2 people

  8. It may be an odd way to look at it, but some of the very things we are upset about now, probably started out as unlikely outcomes faced by disorganized people who were upset by the way things were then. But they did as you suggested; dug in, worked, organized, and made big changes. Now we have to do the same thing they did to achieve the opposite.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. An interesting article recently: “The care and feeding of Donald Trump”. It seems Canada and Mexico have found out how to deal with him, other nations are watching and learning.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. That’s a beautiful prayer by your mom. I remember at a Writer’s Conference decades ago, an author recommended reading “Failing Forward” by John C. Maxwell. Everyone experiences failure, it’s how we react to it that makes a difference.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. If it makes you feel any better, historically when there are moments where political leaders cause a lot of divisiveness and what feels like taking people backwards instead of forwards, it can indicate change about to come. It’s like a last ditch effort before things move forward. So there’s always a reason for everything, we just have to trust and believe.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ah, this reminds me of something that Brene Brown said that this is the last stand of the “white male power over” model. I think you are right on about the last ditch effort – but dang, it’s hard to watch! Thanks for the encouragement to trust and believe, Pooja!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yeah, I can imagine how hard it is to watch and have to deal with the consequences for something you didn’t even sign up for. I think Brene Brown is absolutely right about that, as she is about so much.
        You’re most welcome, stay strong!

        Liked by 1 person

  18. “Please help us to see how.” I think many of us are thinking the same thing. I can’t believe we’re going down this dysfunctional and demonizing path again.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. I’m also not a fan of failure, as it gets exhausting to always have to find motivation to overcome. I’d love the opportunity to just enjoy real progress and peace. Do you think this is possible the way the world is currently?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Such a great question, Rose. To me it seems like world peace is not very tenable at this point. I’m just hoping for some inner peace! What do you think?

      Like

  20. I will use your mom’s words and also pray “Lord, we trust you are at work in the world. Please help us to see how.” The more the better. On my side, I will continue to do my best to fight everyday for social justice and act with kindness towards everybody, even my political adversaries. And I won’t forget to look after myself, my family, my dear ones, and all the living beings. Things will get tougher also in Europe, I am afraid.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Your mom’s prayer is lovely Wynne. And yes, all the political news is disheartening and creating chaos all over the world. As a Canadian, I can say we’ve felt this deeply in the past several days. It has been quite difficult, and the economic uncertainty still hangs over us. The good that has come out of it is our unity. I have never seen Canadians so united in anything, sports aside. 😂
    Thanks for sharing this lovely post. And yes, there is always something that can be done. All is not lost.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Your mom’s a smart cookie…and yet, it all feels so ridiculous and hopeless these days, I have real trouble seeing anything even remotely resembling a plan here. Love her optimism though.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. I love what you say in this post Wynne. It’s because it’s meaningful for me too even though I’m not religious. I feel similarly motivated to you when stuff is failing. Whatever each of us can do, working together for what we believe is good and right, hey?
    Thanks Wynne ♥️

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Wynne, wonderful post! I’m with you 100%. Getting involved is the key. I think your mom’s prayer is also a call to action. The government is leaving a huge gap by cutting funding. I visited my local food bank the other day, and one of their leaders told me they’re running out of money to buy meat and fresh produce. As a result, they’re starting to cut back on providing fresh, healthy foods—meaning poor families will receive mostly unhealthy items that big supermarkets are donating.

    When I was there, I saw half a pallet of raspberries and nearly 100 pallets of energy drinks. That’s how both Christians and non-Christians can make a difference—by donating money to help fill the gap our government has created. For example, in my area, $1 equals $10 worth of food due to the agreements they have.

    I think Jesus already told us what to do (and I’m sure other religions or faiths have similar teachings). We just need to follow his teachings about helping the needy and, like you said, get involved. That’s one way to counter the political craziness happening right now.

    Like

Comments are closed.