Do you realize that some of life's greatest discoveries were created from mistakes? So, maybe its time too see the silver-lining through the clouds. We have all made a mistake or two...one time or another. The goocher is most of the time, we recover from whatever we trip over, dust ourselves off, and pick up the pieces. Then we try to reformulate what we have left and rebuild with what we've got the best way we can.
Well sometimes by pure accident we find our mistakes turn out to be something greater than our original idea. Our mistakes may turn out to be our greatest success. A successful mistake maybe what we find is our actual purpose. Not everyone catches on to who they are, or who they are supposed to be right away. I believe many of us, like most successful mistakes, never really became what we imagined ourselves to be.
Through experimentation, twists, turns, and unplanned changes...mistakes are made. Learning from our mistakes is how we grow. How we become the people we are today. "It's what we've done, that makes us who we are" was sang by Jim Croce. The words hold true non-the-less. Mistakes, good ol' trial and error. or "the old college try" is what creates the who we are... not the image of who you perseeve yourself to be in your mind.
Results may never quite come out as planned, but the finished out come maybe a pleasent surpise that turns out far better than one could ever imagine. Mistakes do NOT necessarily equal failure. A mistake maybe just an alternitive plan to your grand sceem that may not have worked out the way you wanted it too.
So if mistakes are made by you or someone else...that does not mean all is lost or that you have failed. Failure is not an option, and mistakes are something that may be learned from. Mistakes still have the possibility to be beneficial. Mistake can be made, they can be repaired. Have you ever been able to repair failure?
Some Discoveries Created by Mistake
Play-Doh
One smell most people remember from childhood is the odor of Play-Doh, the brightly-colored, nontoxic modeling clay. Play-Doh was accidentally invented in 1955 by Joseph and Noah McVicker while trying to make a wallpaper cleaner. It was marketed a year later by toy manufacturer Rainbow Crafts. More than 700 million pounds of Play-Doh have sold since then, but the recipe remains a secret.
Fireworks
Fireworks originated in China some 2,000 years ago, and legend has it that they were accidentally invented by a cook who mixed together charcoal, sulfur, and saltpeter -- all items commonly found in kitchens in those days. The mixture burned and when compressed in a bamboo tube, it exploded. There's no record of whether it was the cook's last day on the job.
Potato Chips
If you can't eat just one potato chip, blame it on chef George Crum. He reportedly created the salty snack in 1853 at Moon's Lake House near Saratoga Springs, New York. Fed up with a customer who continuously sent his fried potatoes back, complaining that they were soggy and not crunchy enough, Crum sliced the potatoes as thin as possible, fried them in hot grease, then doused them with salt. The customer loved them and "Saratoga Chips" quickly became a popular item at the lodge and throughout New England.
Eventually, the chips were mass-produced for home consumption, but since they were stored in barrels or tins, they quickly went stale. Then, in the 1920s, Laura Scudder invented the airtight bag by ironing together two pieces of waxed paper, thus keeping the chips fresh longer. Today, chips are packaged in plastic or foil bags or cardboard containers and come in a variety of flavors, including sour cream and onion, barbecue, and salt and vinegar.
Slinky
In 1943, naval engineer Richard James was trying to develop a spring that would support and stabilize sensitive equipment on ships. When one of the springs accidentally fell off a shelf, it continued moving, and James got the idea for a toy. His wife Betty came up with the name, and when the Slinky made its debut in late 1945, James sold 400 of the bouncy toys in 90 minutes. Today, more than 250 million Slinkys have been sold worldwide.
Saccharin
Saccharin, the oldest artificial sweetener, was accidentally discovered in 1879 by researcher Constantine Fahlberg, who was working at Johns Hopkins University in the laboratory of professor Ira Remsen. Fahlberg's discovery came after he forgot to wash his hands before lunch. He had spilled a chemical on his hands and it, in turn, caused the bread he ate to taste unusually sweet.
In 1880, the two scientists jointly published the discovery, but in 1884, Fahlberg obtained a patent and began mass-producing saccharin without Remsen. The use of saccharin did not become widespread until sugar was rationed during World War I, and its popularity increased during the 1960s and 1970s with the manufacture of Sweet'N Low and diet soft drinks.
Post-it Notes
A Post-it note is a small piece of paper with a strip of low-tack adhesive on the back that allows it to be temporarily attached to documents, walls, computer monitors, and just about anything else. The idea for the Post-it note was conceived in 1974 by Arthur Fry as a way of holding bookmarks in his hymnal while singing in the church choir. He was aware of an adhesive accidentally developed in 1968 by fellow 3M employee Spencer Silver. No application for the lightly sticky stuff was apparent until Fry's idea. The 3M company was initially skeptical about the product's profitability, but in 1980, the product was introduced around the world. Today, Post-it notes are sold in more than 100 countries.
Silly Putty
It bounces, it stretches, it breaks -- it's Silly Putty, the silicone-based plastic clay marketed as a children's toy by Binney & Smith, Inc. During World War II, while attempting to create a synthetic rubber substitute, James Wright dropped boric acid into silicone oil. The result was a polymerized substance that bounced, but it took several years to find a use for the product.
Finally, in 1950, marketing expert Peter Hodgson saw its potential as a toy, renamed it Silly Putty, and a classic toy was born! Not only is it fun, Silly Putty also has practical uses -- it picks up dirt, lint, and pet hair; can stabilize wobbly furniture; and is useful in stress reduction, physical therapy, and in medical and scientific simulations. It was even used by the crew of Apollo 8 to secure tools in zero gravity.
Microwave Ovens
The microwave oven is now a standard appliance in most American households, but it has only been around since the late 1940s. In 1945, Percy Spencer was experimenting with a new vacuum tube called a magnetron while doing research for the Raytheon Corporation. He was intrigued when the candy bar in his pocket began to melt, so he tried another experiment with popcorn. When it began to pop, Spencer immediately saw the potential in this revolutionary process.
In 1947, Raytheon built the first microwave oven, the Radarange, which weighed 750 pounds, was 51/2 feet tall, and cost about $5,000. When the Radarange first became available for home use in the early 1950s, its bulky size and expensive price tag made it unpopular with consumers. But in 1967, a much more popular 100-volt, countertop version was introduced at a price of $495.
Corn Flakes
In 1894, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg was the superintendent of the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan. He and his brother Will Keith Kellogg were Seventh Day Adventists, and they were searching for wholesome foods to feed patients that also complied with the Adventists' strict vegetarian diet. When Will accidentally left some boiled wheat sitting out, it went stale by the time he returned. Rather than throw it away, the brothers sent it through rollers, hoping to make long sheets of dough, but they got flakes instead. They toasted the flakes, which were a big hit with patients, and patented them under the name Granose. The brothers experimented with other grains, including corn, and in 1906, Will created the Kellogg's company to sell the corn flakes. On principle, John refused to join the company because Will lowered the health benefits of the cereal by adding sugar.
Popsicles
Popsicles In 1905 an eleven-year-old Frank Epperson was mixing powdered soda and water to make soda pop. Frank accidentally left the mixing bucket outside. During the night the mixture froze solid, with the wooden stirring stick standing straight up. But the frozen pop tasted great! Frank started selling Epperson icicles for five cents, later changing the name to popsicles.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies In 1930, Ruth Wakefield was making chocolate cookies at the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Mass. When she ran out of baking chocolate, Ruth broke a bar of semi-sweet chocolate into little pieces and added them to the dough. When the cookies were baked, the chocolate hadn't melted. Instead there were little chips of chocolate throughout the cookie. Ruth was soon selling chocolate chip cookies.
Ice Cream Cones
Ice Cream Cones Ernest Hamwi was selling Syrian pastry at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. When a nearby ice cream vendor ran out of dishes, Hamwi rolled some pastry into a cone so ice cream could be put inside. The ice cream cone was a huge a hit. However, an Italian immigrant named Italo Marchiony received a patent to manufacture ice cream cones earlier that same year, suggesting more than one person invented ice cream cones.
Cheese
Get this. Cheese was invented by an old Arabian traveling across the desert. He had a pouch along with him made from a. . . . . . . . SHEEP'S STOMACH!! Anyway, he poured his milk into it and continued on his way. Later, he opened the pouch to find. . .cheese!
Frisbee
How many people do you know who toss around a pie tin for fun? Well, it might have been a lot if you had lived before Frisbees were invented. College kids used to play catch with pie tins for fun. Why the name? Frisbee Pie Company, of course!
Sandwich
Here he is, the high-and-mighty Earl, sitting daintily at his gambling table when-rats-it's lunchtime! What's a poor Earl to do? Give up his gambling or. . .starve? Suddenly, the Earl gets an idea! He orders his servants to simply pile all the food between two pieces of bread. Easy enough to eat while gambling, and a delightful snack, too. But what does he name this invention of his? Why, after himself- John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich!
Coca Cola
A long time ago, a doctor was carefully working on a new headache medicine. He wanted it to taste good, but also to feel good. He finally perfected it and sent it for approval. When the approvers were inspecting it, they realized that the medicine tasted better than it worked. They put in some carbonated water, changed it a little more, and introduced it world-wide as: Coca Cola, a new soft drink!!
When the wheel of life turns, it could be signaling that a new journey or adventure is at hand. The wheel turning maybe an indication of change and/or tranformation. This is a time to look at where you are in your life's journey. Is this an end or the beginning of a journey? Is this where you are supposed to be?
This may be the moment in time when you strongly affect the lives of those around you. If your life is at a stalemate maybe it time to take a chance and spin the wheel for a little motivation, change or encouragement.
The natural cycles of the Earth maybe an example of how the wheel turns. The seasons may be used to mark these changes. Maybe now it's time to look at what current season you are in, in relationship to where you are in your journey or if you prefer...your quest. Maybe a change of scenery for a while would help? The changing of the seasons and the changing of your attitude go hand in hand? Changes are part of the natural cycle of the wheel. Why not look for these changes as inspiration? Look at what phase the moon is in right now in conjunction with your harmony of your surrounding. Coincidence? Maybe...if you believe in that kind of thing. Right?
Maybe now is the time to take inventory of the situation and decide what must be done? Is there something to be learned? Or, maybe something needed to be practiced? Maybe it's time for a change? Is it time to take a chance on something new....Maybe you should SPIN THE WHEEL?
On some larger scale the wheel may be an indicator that it is time for the passing of authority or to pass along the power from one person or place to another. The wheel reminds us that change is natural, and that fighting the motion of the wheel turning will only disrupt the natural balance your life's rhythm. It is the universe's way of suggesting that you become more flexible and fluid with life. Freedom lies within the motion of the wheel turning. Fighting by clinging on to what is no longer necessary just wastes energy. When the wheel is in motion, change is in the wind, and change is inevitable.
The change brought upon by the wheel turning, may be the manifestation of your goal. The journey of the search for your ideas, is your own journey in life. Again, a quest if you so wish to call it that. Remember, a true quest will lead you into the unknown. Possibly this is an inward journey, or maybe an outward quest. As the wheel turns on your journey, there will be challenges to overcome. Your journey teaches lessons on how to conquer the challenges that lie ahead.
Entering into an unknown territory there is always new knowledge to be found. As with any true quest, you will always encounter people along the way that have the wisdom, insihgt or the tools you need to help you find your way. Doors will be opened for you...if you are on your right path.
A journey can bring to you strength, endurance, and confidence. You may be instrumental in helping others find their way, for sometimes journeys can intersect. The quest may also show you the things in life that you should hold scared. Perhaps, by listing the things that are most important to you in your life would help you gain a little perspective about yourself. List carefully to see what is truly important to you in life. Studying your list may give you clues about the truth of the nature of who you are.
Maybe its time to point into a new direction, or change onto a new path? Look to the direction of the path that you might take, or to someone that may help you along the way.
Maybe its time time to get your bearings and think about where you are in relation to where you want to be. The wheel is turning. It maybe a signal that it is time to prepare for change.
Yes, there are physical and emotional scars. I am topically writing about physical scars. I know that even some physical scars carry the burden of emotinal scarring, but I am not trying to touch upon those either. If looking at or thinking about your scars do bring up heavy emotional feelings, or trama...You have my deepest sympathy, and most sincere apologies from me touching upon this sensitive, deeply personal issue.
Scars are moments in time. Captured reminders; stories that whether we hide them, cover them up, or wear them like badges of honor...All scars tell a story. Many people of my generation, I've noticed, have a scar under their chins from playground incidents. My scar on my chin was from a car accident where I hit the windshield (seat belts were optional back then.) I recieved six stitches inside and outside just below my lower lip.
To date I have over 54 scars on my body, and each time I look at any one of them I remember where, and how I acquired them. Many are old and faded and barely noticeable to most folks, but I see them. I know where they are. They all show much more obvious if I am outside a lot, they don't tan. So they become more accentuated. No matter...my scars are mine, and they tell a story about me. Of who I was, and who I am today...They are reminders of experiences that have molded me, shaped and created.
I know which one is my first scar. I remember which one was the first time I got stitches. I remember the feeling of having stitches removed. I know which ones I tried to hide from my parents, because I was being an "adventurous" child, or just trying to do something on a dare.
My scars are proof that I have endured, and survived. They are lessons learned by trial and error. Some are my diploma "from the school of hard knocks." There are even a few of them that bring back a memory or two that still make me smile when I think back into that time. I wouldn't trade any of them or the memories that come along with my scars.
Not everything goes quite like planned, because most of the time your plans have variables that are out of your control. Such as other people, events, unexpected incidents, or a combination of any number of the aboved mentioned. Mashed together into a small, yet annoying "bump in the road."
Usually when these speed bumps appear I feel about as prepared for them as a 1973 AMC Gremlin X with two different colored doors and bad shocks. I get over it...I get past it. Just not smoothly, and I move on a bit shaken. Still not much of a big deal since I still keep motoring along in the direction I was heading.
You know most of the time its not really about getting through anything gracefully, or getting upset at the unplanned detours. Heck, most of the time I could stand taking the scenic or the long away around. Even through at first it kinda irks me a bit. But I come to find when life gives me a detour...I usually need it. Just like when I hit one of those speed bump moments. It probably means that I need to slow down anyway. Even through there are times that I just don't seem to get my foot off of the gas peddle and on to the brake fast enough. In which case I tend to get a little airtime from launching over the speed bump. The landing tends to be a bit of a rude awakening, and a bit jostling.
Still pride sometimes steps in, and with flushed cheeks I end up saying the famous, "I meant to do that." line. Which leave those around me to scoff....maybe even to joke. None the less I still keep put-putting forward. Trying to avoid the speed bumps, dodging the potholes, and hoping for no sudden stops along the way. Of course, I also try not to run out of gas, or end up running a flat. Even though I carry a gas can, and keep a tool box in my trunk; I always have someone to call in case of emergencies.
So what, if things don't always run smoothly while I'm traveling down the road. I am as prepared as I am going to be. I can't be bothered with worrying about what may possibly happen. I have places to go and scenery to enjoy.
I had this question proposed to me on a non-recovery related site. Being a bit of a novice in defining the two distintions, I thought I'd jump into answering said question. Now I am sharing this question with you... (since I already have my answer below)
An interesting question...
That could be filled with reflective thoughts and have as much seeming depth as a mirror reflecting back the image of another mirror.
I've heard it said, and feel that this definition is what works best for me:
"Religion is for those who don't want to go to hell. Spirituality is for those that have been through hell."
I feel spirituality is a respect for all things. If you don't believe the universe is living and breathing what do you consider the wind? Spirituality isn't about churches or ceremonies. Spiritual people can/ do have a belief in something greater than themselves whether you call it a God, or an ever present spirit, or what have you.
But there is something there, something that gives you inner peace, enlightenment, and the belief that there is something more after all this.
Most religions regardless of how many deities, or the names given to what is worshipped have pretty much the same central ideologies, and most religious concepts are mirrored images of each other. Christianity of spread pretty much by war, and force by over the top zealots or if you prefer "true believers" and probably viewed the way some are viewing the ideological spread of the Islamic radicle of today. Oddly when boiled down to it's true core both religions are very similar. Both of course, are very much open to everyone own interpretations. And with most religions there are many factions and brunches, because no one can agree with any one true way of understanding "the message."
From a religious point of view I personally subscribe to this quote from the Dali Lama, "My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness." When asked if he would even consider convert to christianity, Ghandi responsed with, "If I had ever met one, I would have become one."
Ghandi was saying "show me, don't tell me." You may think he wasn't well verse in the Christian religion; but it is a well known fact that Mahatma Ghandi read from the New Testament everyday, and often quoted from it.
In my small mind to explain the vastness of spirituality and religion is almost infinitely imporbable. Many times through both intertwine, over-lap and connect. We become what we celebrate.
The other problem is spirituality kind of recieved a bad rap, because there are those who confuse spirituality and spiritualism. Spiritualism was all the rage in Victorian times. Spiritualism was the use of psychics, and séances. I'll think I will leave that topic to the professionals.
Overall religion is structure, and spirituality is less confining. Spirituality is more of a respect of all things and everything. Spirituality is more of a "do it your way." Religion has leaders to "guide" you, and whether you like it or not is big, no huge business. Money, Money, Money...Funny, didn't Jesus Christ lose his temper in a temple over that very reason?
Oh, and one more side note....have you ever notice how most of the great leaders of teaching peace have died violently? Christ, Ghandi, Dr. Martin Luther King, jr., John Lennon for examples...just a coincidance or a message to the world that we should have listened more to these messengers?
Kindness, Love, Respect and Peace to all and everyone. Believe in what is right for you, and respect others ideologies in return. Always extend a hand to those in need...and learn to coexist with your neighbor.
