[Image credit: Stuart Miles]

Setbacks are badges of honor for those who try
to achieve something worthwhile. ~ SGI President Daisaku Ikeda

At one time in our lives, we may find ourselves in a position when we’re 100%-without-a-doubt certain of a particular outcome, only to have our hopes dashed when we discover we’re wrong.  Once we finally wade through the disillusionment, it’s possible we will question the error of our ways.  Going forward, we might second-guess every decision while looking for loopholes.  Some say it helps us, however, when we’re faced with similar situations in the future because we’ve been down that road before.  But in a way, I think we could feel a bit jaded or untrusting (see Regaining your balance).  Although I believe it’s possible to pick up the pieces and look at the world with fresh eyes, again, it may take more than an honest assessment of what makes us tick.  Perhaps it will require a change of scenery to start over.

Do you consider disappointments opportunities or drawbacks?