When we were babies learning to walk, we fell countless times. And every time we did, our loved ones clapped, cheered, and encouraged us to get back up. It was the most privileged time of our lives, where failure was met with unconditional support.

But as we grow older, the story changes. Suddenly, failure isn’t allowed. And when we do fail, all we long for is someone to say, “It’s okay,” someone to hold our hand, or simply listen without judgment.

Instead, we’re often surrounded by people, sometimes even those closest to us, ready to dish out advice, compare experiences, or showcase how well they handled life. Some mean well, but others just want to be heard more than they want to help. And then there are those who quietly relish our missteps or treat them as gossip fodder.

In my lowest moments, it wasn’t the failure itself that broke me—it was how others responded to it. That’s when I stopped sharing my failures and started facing them alone. I became stronger, but not because I had the strength. I just had no other choice.

Today, I no longer wait for validation. I’ve made peace with failure. Failure is not a red flag. It’s not a punishment. It doesn’t mean I am a failure. The true success of life lies in moving forward, failure after failure, with grace. Each stumble is a step toward a stronger, wiser, more authentic version of ourselves.

There’s still so much life waiting to be lived, waiting to be explored. And life says to us gently: “It’s okay to fail. I’m still here, holding your hand.”

So don’t lose hope. Smile. Laugh at your failures. Let your failures fail to shake you.

How do you respond to your own failures—do you criticize yourself or extend grace?