As Thanksgiving draws near, we start to reflect and think of all the reasons we have to give thanks. At Curbside Overhaul, we are thankful for our family, friends and four-legged friends. We recognize these blessings might not be available to everyone, nor would we be able to experience them, if it weren’t for one major thing. Second Chances.

At one point or another, everyone has to phoned a friend, call in a favor, or been a disappointment to someone they loved.

As a culture, we seemed to be obsessed with getting things right the first time around. But how much more could we accomplish the second time around? We have more knowledge, more experience, more of what it takes to make it work.

It’s probably because we never know if there will be a second time. We think the first time is the best time or maybe the ONLY time we’ll have to make things perfect. We’re so obsessed about the first time that we might not even give ourselves a chance for the second time. We often give up too easily when things don’t work out and miss our second chance altogether. We’re too busy obsessing about the first screw up.

What’s wrong with taking a second chance? The first round is just about learning. The second time is what really counts, it’s the test at the end of the semester to see if you’ve learned anything.

We all know the saying, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. When everything goes right, you miss out on opportunities to try something else. Almost nothing works out the first time. But life goes on, which means there is plenty of times for second chances. If you don’t take them, then you’re going to lead an empty and boring life. There won’t be a chance to try something new. You’ll have no relationships, no family, no job, no fun because you’re still obsessed with missing out on the first try.

Without the belief of second chances, Curbside Overhaul would not exist. We use furniture as a medium to get our message out. Again and again, we show people just because something’s a little beat up and has been tossed out, doesn’t mean it won’t have a purpose. It takes a little work, elbow grease and vision, but it can be given a second chance.

The thing is there really isn’t any hope for people who don’t get second chances. A person who is offered a second chance can back up, think about what they’ve done and try again. With a little correction and someone, who can help guide that person in a new direction, there is no telling the positive results that could happen. On the other hand, a person, who made mistake, but is slapped with a lifetime of consequence, almost has no choice, but to continue on that path. Even if the consequence is temporary, that person might spend the rest of their life trying to make up for it and get back on the right path. They might even learn more negative behaviors as a result, spending the rest of their life trying to break the cycle.

So please, if you have an opportunity to give someone else a second chance, do it. You might change their life or at least the trajectory that person might be on. In some instances, it might be a mistake that can’t be ignored. It might be actions that can harm them or someone else. Maybe it’s drastically affecting your business. Whatever the case, if it’s safe and there’s still time to correct the mistake, pull them aside and ask how you can help. Maybe you can help them get back on the right path before it’s too late. The chance another person can make the world a much better place.

We wrote this post as a collaborative effort. Here are some of other favorite pieces on thankfulness to get in the right mindset for Thanksgiving.

Thankful for Little Things– Little Sprouts Home Daycare

3 Ways Having a Baby Made Me Thankful– Tapestry Chronicles

The Moment We Share With the Children– Hello Daycare

Be Thankful and Change the World– Ever Change Productions

Cranberry Glazed Ham and Thankfulness– Cottage Making Mommy

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