Other essays on this theme

Essay: "Second Chance"

2nd chance is a superficial term for "hope". A surface exhilaration lacking the depth of certainty.

2nd chances often come in dozens. If you fail at a 2nd chance, chances are you get another.

Life is built on 2nd chances. Even God allowed himself a 2nd chance with man, through repentance and restoration.

The fall of mankind taught us that imperfections are inevitable and corrections require 2nd chances.

Still, we are not guaranteed a 2nd chance. Therefore it behooves us to perform a tongue in cheek effort at making decisions when we come to crossroads in life.

The choice we make could very well be our last. The old adage, "you better look before you leap, still waters run deep", warns us that it may be futile to count on someone being there to pull us out, So we shouldn't "put all our eggs in one basket" (I love clichés). It's a good thing to have, "an ace in the hole."

Actually an ace in the hole or having investments (eggs) in other places, guarantees one a 2nd chance. It's called "a good plan."

As luck would have it, 2nd chances are often happenstance and "when the morning light comes streaming in, we'll get up and try it again."

I've learned that as long as there is breathe in me, I have a 2nd chance. I have, "hope." To coin a phrase, "I can not undo, but I can start a new."

I am grateful for those who do not condemn, who applaud the old, "pick yourself up by your bootstraps," way of living. It is such an attitude that encourages success, and promotes restitution.

I believe the ex-con can indeed become a plus citizen. Be it with the 2nd chance given of another or one taken of herself.

I've given myself a 2nd chance. I hope you will too.