The Difference Between You and Me

One day, there was a very important conversation between two enemies. These two enemies lived side by side. As most enemies operate, they could never work together as one contradicted the other.

So, they sat down one day to have lunch together. Since they lived in the same environment, knew the same people, worked together and so on, it wasn't out of the norm for them to cross paths.

Their names were Failure and Success.

"What's on your mind today, Failure?" Success asked, as she sipped on her lemonade.

"It's like this," Failure replied, "I need you to move. You're taking up way too much space. When you're around, people think they can do anything they want; it's just not going to work well with me."

Success chuckled at this. "Since when do you dictate when I move?"

"You're not listening, and that's your problem. You're way too arrogant, way too available. You think you're better than everyone!"

Success was alarmed by Failure's boldness. "Am I truly the arrogant one? You're the one always manipulating people, trying to convince folks they can't do anything even before they've tried. You talk people out of their dreams! Most pass away never even reaching their full potential, and it's all because of you! If anyone should move, it should be you."

Failure laughed this time, a deep hardcore belly laugh like the villains did in movies. "Let me asks you something...what makes you think you have the guts to achieve anything you want?"

Success pondered over this question. "I know I'm not operating on my own. The strength I have to do things, to keep moving forward despite the obstacles in my way, and the fact that I believe in my abilities to get things done, let's me know that nothing is too impossible for me. I believe God created me to do amazing things, and I don't let you get in my head to stop me. I encourage people not to let you do that to them either."

Failure rolled his eyes and was quiet for a moment as he was stumped for words. His eyes darted to the entrance of the restaurant. "What's he doing here?" Failure asked, knitting his brows in disgust.

"He's my buddy, you know this." Success replied.

Success had a cousin named Achievement. Achievement appeared in the restaurant as he saw Failure and Success sitting at the table. Achievement walked their way, grinning from ear to ear, eager to hear the conversation at hand.

Achievement greeted Success with open arms. "Cousin! How's it going today? Failure, I'm not surprised to see you here. How's everything going with you?"

Failure scuffed. "This is a personal conversation. You don't need to be involved."

"Don't be rude, Failure," Success said, "Have a seat, Achievement. We're doing well, we were just wrapping up lunch."

Achievement sat down. In all honesty, Achievement was very much a talker, but it wasn't out of ill intent. He was conceded. It was because he always wanted to remind Success of how well they've worked together and how far they've come.

This angered Failure to no end because no matter how many times Failure rudely interrupted Success and Achievement's conversations, they always found a way to get back on track. As long as they had that tag team, family bond, they didn't need Failure.

Failure got so heated, he stormed away and left the restaurant.

Success sighed. She watched the door where Failure exited from not too long ago. "Failure and I will never get along, will we?"

Achievement smiled and said, "Nope, but I know he'll be back, trying to intimidate you. I'll be back too, to remind you of your greatness!"

MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR:

May this story be an encouraging reminder that you can achieve anything you want, that failure is not an option and that you will be successful when you keep trying.