At some point in life, many of us have a moment where we long for a blank canvas, a fresh start. We dream of starting over without the scars, or the messes we created. If we’re not careful though, and we stay in this mindset, it becomes toxic.

To live our lives seeking to control things completely outside of our control is crushing. I used to be like this. I guess I still am at times, but on my good days I’m not what I was.

I wanted a restart. I wanted to get rid of all the losses, scars, and marks I had on my canvas of life. If I could just fix it up, and start over, maybe then I’d get it right.

But that life is toxic. It’s paralyzing. It’s shameful. I don’t wish for a blank canvas anymore. Now, I just want to build from the mess I have. I want to reconstruct, not start over. Life is a mess for everyone. It can be a mess, or a beautiful mess. We decide.

Besides, life’s never been about the things we avoided. It’s about the things we overcame.