I don’t believe we can become who we are meant to be, who we should be, without making mistakes. When I look at how my children learn, I know that I need to let them make mistakes (however hard it might be).
Without mistakes I don’t believe they will fully understand cause and effect, and the consequences of their actions. Sometimes it takes making a mistake to show us how to do something; whether that be a maths problem or apologising to a friend.
Mistakes can teach us what not to do, but equally they can teach us what to do; how to apologise sincerely, how to accept failure gracefully, how to make amends. Our own mistakes can teach us to be humble and to be more accepting of others failings and failures.
I’m not a big one for holding on to regret, despite there being many, many moments in my life where I have made mistakes. Some small, and some not so small. Regrets hold us back; acknowledgement, remorse, acceptance and atonement allow us to learn and move forward.
None of this is easy though.
I absolutely hate to be wrong. While I may be good at looking back on mistakes and taking the learning experience from them, I am crippled at the time of the mistake. The moment of realisation. The flash of why did I do that, what made me say that? The sinking, gut wrenching feeling of disappointment in myself if I forget to do something. The self loathing when I realise I have hurt someone. It can take days to move on.
Would have, could have, should have.
But, we all make mistakes, it’s inevitable. There is wisdom in accepting that, in allowing ourselves to fail. There is power in moving forward positively. And there is comfort in knowing we are not alone.
Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?
L.M. Montgomery
You can find this weeks #ThePrompt linky here. I do hope this prompt inspired you; I look forward to reading your posts.
You’ve written another fantastic post Sara, and you have my full agreement once again. Love the quote you’ve ended with! I think it’s really important to let our kids fail and learn their own lessons, as hard and trying as that process can be sometimes.
Have to say, I make daily mistakes in motherhood yet forget about it five mins later. It’s hard enough without me beating myself up. Perhaps we are a lot more forgiving in certain areas of our lives?
Love this post – I agree with it all and I really like the L M Montgomery quote at the end. X
Another challenging prompt Sara. I feel very much as you do, and I am in agreement with what you have said. Mistakes are important, though they certainly don’t feel that way at the time for me!
I can totally relate to this post. I see in other’s how regret and fear of making mistakes can lead to such incredible unhappiness. I think having the inner strength to allow for mistakes and to move on from them is such an incredibly important life skill but also very hard. I too brood by the way, and go over and over. Before eventually moving on :) xx
Very wise and very true. I know that gut-wrenching feeling and although I’m usually pretty good at learning and moving on , there are a couple of things that make me cringe even thinking about them now! But we are all human so mistakes are unavoidable. Thanks for another great prompt!
When I sometimes look back at the mistakes I’ve made it makes me cringe and, whilst at the time, I’ve regretted it, I think it the grand scheme of things I haven’t. Or tried not to. I do kick myself if I don’t do things right first time though :)
I may have caught the prompt bug. I may even join in nect week!!! :)
That quote just sums it all up so beautifully. We would not be human if we did not make mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them and move on. x
Yes, it is hard watching your child make make mistakes but you have to let them do it. As for the quote at the end, very true. You have to pick yourself up and get on with things, hopefully having learned a thing or two. Tha M&S for hosting #theprompt
Fab post. Ahh, yes, the best part of tomorrow is its potential and lack of mistakes.
I love the final line Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet? – L.M. Montgomery. It makes me think of children, how they are fresh and yet to make any mistakes. And you’re totally right, regrets do hold us back entirely. Fab prompt lovely xx
Fantastic quote at the end there Sara and I think that sums it all up very well. Mistakes are inevitable but we can approach each day knowing that we’re in the clear…
You’ve summed up how I feel about my own mistakes perfectly, of which there are many! Great topic this week Sara
Love the quote, and a fab post. I’m completely agree, I have made mistakes in my life but I really don’t believe in regret. If I hadn’t made mistakes I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Great prompt this week xx
I completely identify with your dichotomy here. I hate making mistakes, but I know how important they are in terms of learning and moving forwards. It would be relatively easy to live a life of playing it safe, but it’s only when we push our boundaries that we can really grow – and perfectly natural that in doing so we’ll stumble from time to time. Great post :) xx
I love the idea of a new day with no mistakes in it yet! I feel very similar to this – I understand why mistakes are important and life would be poorer without making them or learning from them. But, as you describe, I still replay many of the mistakes I’ve made and dwell on them. I think it requires a thicker skin and less sensitivity to everything to really move on. I’m working on it : )
I think you’re right – none of us like to make mistakes, but they teach us important things like accepting it gracefully, and making amends – vital life lessons. xxx #ThePrompt
You’re right about giving kids room to make mistakes. I’m still making mistakes and learning and picking myself up. It’s human, and comforting to know we all do it.
Today is a new day – there’s a whole host of new mistakes to make! x