Reader:

How that learning from setbacks, mistakes, and disappointments create a life well-lived!

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Morning Minute – 12.5.25

What will YOU do Next?

A week before Christmas, when I was 18 years old, and in college, I was fired because my cash register was $22 short. Two weeks later, the manager found the real thief and fired her. Years afterward, I learned the truth…my dismissal was actually his mistake.

At the time, this devastated me. My income paid for my college, my car, and all my living expenses. Losing that job felt like the world had collapsed. A few weeks later, though, I was hired at a full-service restaurant; which turned out to be an unexpected blessing.

My background, attitude, and drive helped me move from cook to kitchen manager in just nine weeks. What I learned during those 15 months, about organization, leadership, and team building, has served me continuously for more than 50 years.

When I shared my dismissal with my parents, they were not happy. They explained, “As an adult, you have responsibilities.” They made it clear that even though I’d been wronged, it was still up to me to get over it, find another way to meet my obligations, while earning my degree. They shared that setbacks and heartaches are part of life, not exceptions to it.

Looking back, I’m grateful this happened early. It taught me to treat setbacks as opportunities to build better habits, stronger character, and real personal discipline.

Sharing this story (one very few people know) is my way of saying this:

Life isn’t defined by mistakes or misfortunes. It’s defined by what we do next!

When we get knocked down, it’s our responsibility to get back up and keep moving forward. The old saying, “You only lose when you quit,” has carried me through career changes, reinventing myself, and decades of teaching others to develop their own skills.

God has blessed me greatly!

FINAL THOUGHT:

If you are a parent or grandparent, your children and grandchildren will look to you for guidance when they face problems, disappointments, or heartbreak. Remind them that just as fire turns iron into steel, life’s challenges strengthen them for what lies ahead.

Teach them to treat setbacks as learning experiences; opportunities to develop the habits, character, and discipline they will need for successful living. And, what they will do next.

“What Will YOU Do Next?”

That is today’s Morning Minute.

P.S. As adults, we are called to mentor our children and grandchildren. That requires that we teach them how to work, how to play, how to pray, and how to live. This is a lifetime commitment.

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As we enter into this holy holiday season, may God bless you, your family, and your team!

Larry A. Bonorato lab@larryonlearning.com 864-630-2625

(published by Bonorato Creative Group, LLC; all rights reserved)