mistakes.

you know what they always say...
try and avoid mistakes, but if you can't, at least make sure you learn from them.
i don't know if "they" say that. but i have realized that "they" should.
because as much as we are warned and herded away from certain habits and practices in life, sometimes we just cannot be convinced. 
and i am not sure that is always a bad thing.
yes, sometimes we are way too stubborn and proud.
and i do not doubt that the people who love us the most have some of the best suggestions.
but sometimes, there are things that you simply can't learn until you experience the consequences, good or bad, of your own mistakes.
the good news is most of the time our world doesn't crumble completely when the mistake comes along.
when our most recent way of functioning hits a breaking point.
when 'you know what' hits the fan.
and that is the hope in it all.
wisdom comes in the mistakes.