How many mistakes do you think the average person makes is a lifetime? One? Two? Two hundred thousand? It’s probably a lot more than we realize. But, if that is the case why does it always take us by surprise? And why do we ruminate over a blunder that wasn’t created on purpose?
A real mistake, is something you did, not on purpose, but an accident. Did it cost you a job? A relationship? How long did you beat yourself up wishing you could go back and undo how things unfolded?
What if we could laugh at our own foibles instead of punish ourselves? If others could do the same, wouldn’t it make life so much easier? Why does one person take offense and the other think that a mess up is hilarious?
When doctors and nurses make a mistake, it could cost someone their life. Not something to laugh about for sure. But what about little, everyday mistakes? Sending the wrong text to the wrong person? Calling someone by someone else’s name?
We beat ourselves up for no reason. Usually there is nothing that can be done, to make the situation “undone”. So what is the answer?
Forgiveness.
Forgiving ourselves is sometimes the very most difficult thing to do. It does not come naturally. We tend, to nurse it, curse it and rehearse it.
“Holding onto unforgivness is like scuba diving with an anchor. As long as you’re clinging to it, you’re bound to the seabed, limited in movement, unable to appreciate the coral reefs and the colorful fish that dart in and out of view.
Forgiveness is letting go of the anchor. It isn’t about declaring what was done by mistake is ok, but about unburdening yourself so you can swim freely. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. It’s the gift of letting go of the anchors you’ve been carrying.”
Bringinthesheaves 