Recently, I had to reattach my rearview mirror after it fell off my window yet again. Trust me. You really haven’t lived until you’ve had to put your rearview mirror back on your windshield.

It was going so well. I got my kit, prepped the window, glued the metal part, and tried to attach the mirror. It wouldn’t go. Then I asked myself the dreaded question: “Did I actually put the metal part on backwards?” It involved a five step process that you might or might not recognize.

1) Denial: “No, this is the way it goes. It can’t have gone the other way. This stupid rearview mirror is just being a pain. If I keep at it, it will eventually lock into place and all will be right with the world again.”

2) Anger: “Stupid, stupid mirror. Why can’t you just fit and not give me a hassle? Why does this have to be so complicated?”

3) Bargaining: “God, if you just let this work, I’ll always let other cars pull out in front of me. I’ll never say another unkind word about the driver who cuts me off ever again.”

4) Depression: “Well, I suppose life isn’t that bad driving a car with no rearview mirror. At least I still have both side mirrors, right?”

5) Acceptance: “Ok, I’m done pouting. I’ll drive the two miles and pay the extra $5 for another kit and start the process over.”

That’s kinda how it went. Why, you ask, should I alone have the privilege of having to reattach my rearview mirror multuple times? Just lucky (or blessed, if you’re Baptist).

Life is back to normal. I can back up and change lanes without throwing up a Hail Mary. My car looks normal again.

Most things in life are like that. Just because something’s not easy doesn’t mean it’s not possible. And screwing up the first try doesn’t mean the end of civilization as we know it. Sometimes you just need a second chance.

That’s all.