The Upside of Mistakes
"What is it about human nature that makes it easier to dwell on the one thing we did wrong rather than on everything else we did right?"Read this quote in an mail from Kim Allen and got to thinking about how hard it is to forgive ourselves when we make mistakes. Kim goes on to say:
"Mistakes are what they are. They happen. Feeling badly about them is only an opinion based on a limited perspective. That’s because 'beat myself up' thoughts and emotions like guilt, worry and "I can't do anything right!" trigger a cascade of physiological responses that not only wear us down, but prevent us from thinking clearly or seeing the situation any other way. We literally can't remember all we do right."I have to admit that I struggle in this area. I am prone to sometimes fixate on the negative and not see all of the positive things. Perhaps it is simply a matter of trusting that God is using even my mistakes to make me a better person. And in reality, I think that mistakes, my own and the ones others make, have made me a more loving and forgiving person.
and sadly, it's also easier for other to remember the one thing you did wrong then the hundreds you did right.
ReplyDeleteSo true Rygel. Sometimes the ones closest to us have the best memories.
DeleteI struggle in being angry at my mistakes too, but mainly on stupid mistakes. I'm quite ok with honest mistakes I made or even mistakes arising from my calculated decisions. I get frustrated yes, but I give myself some space and I learn to move on. But with stupid mistakes, I can get really angry with myself. I wonder why sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for such honest sharing Pearlie. Sometimes I think that we (read that 'me') have high expectations of ourselves and get mad when we blow it.
DeleteSometimes my mistakes and bad judgments are like a tape player on rewind. I have to look back and see what good has come from mistakes because Gods uses everything to form us to His image if we let Him. Speaking of mistakes...my adult kids came for a family breakfast today and I was so excited to have them all and do the cooking...I didn't post my Sunday daily prayer. Sorry!! My consolation, was Don did such a good job on Sat. I thought it would hold for two days. Really good post.
ReplyDelete"Gods uses everything to form us to His image if we let Him."
DeleteLove that Wanda! No problem about the prayer blog.Glad to hear about your Sunday with the family.