“The Road to Hell is paved with good intentions,” it’s an old proverb that I’ve found a lot of comfort in lately…

I’m sure whomever coined the expression intended it to be one that would put a stop to excuses. Kind of like a “Oh, you had good intentions? Too bad! You screwed up! The road to Hell is paved with good intentions. All of the screw-ups had good intentions. Of course YOU had good intentions, too, silly!”

Recently, I heard the expression… or read the expression… or somehow remembered the expression… I’m not sure which one it was. BUT, whatever the reason, it was in my mind and held a whole new meaning.

(Do I sound crazy? Bear with me, people… I promise there is a point to this post.)

Basically, I’ve taken what some sarcastic individual intended to be a snarky, clever rebuttal to “victim-card” playing nonsense, and empowered it with pure positivity. Here’s how I NOW interpret “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions”:

I’m not as much of a screw-up as I thought I was because YES, I had good intentions. I may feel like the lowest of the low at that particular moment in time, but OH YEAH, I started with good intentions. Even on days when I’ve somehow spiraled into a cycle of negative thoughts or failed myself in someway, there is still good in me. I had good intentions.

Recognizing this helps eliminate guilt, helps me move from the past, and allows me to acknowledge my mistake, forgive myself and move on…

I guess, in a nutshell, it’s provided me with a way to stand up to my perfectionism and accept the fact that I’m human, and see that as a positive thing. I know there are quite a few other type A personalities who are very hard on themselves as I am on myself. So, perhaps, this will resonate with you in some way, shape or form.

It’s also helped me to see the good in others. Just prior, I’d been growing rather frustrated and impatient with others, and was starting to develop a low tolerance for what I considered to be stupid behavior. But, upon this new epiphany, I’m now remembering that people have good intentions. I’m staying conscious of that.

Now, I certainly do not condone the behavior of those who don’t take responsibility of themselves. I’m sure that Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (the supposed originator of this saying) and I would share a lot of the same frustrations were he alive today.

But, I think it’s cool how we can open ourselves up to new interpretations of old sayings…

Gina Mizzoni is a writer and photographer, living in the beautiful deserts of Las Vegas. For her, it’s all about the journey. She enjoys documenting the truth in people and places, and raising awareness for the beauty within and around us. You can learn more about Gina Mizzoni on her blog, Vegas Evolve. For more information about Gina Mizzoni Photography, check out About, FAQs and Investment. To view Gina Mizzoni’s work, please see Galleries.