Dec. 12, 2018
Elaina here. I have been trying to own up to my mistakes these days. I put a lot of intention in my actions. I really try to examine what I am doing and my motivation behind it. I try to take the time to weigh my responses when dealing with difficult situations. I try to live my life so that I have no regrets. If I make an educated “bad” choice, knowing and willing to pay the consequences, then it isn’t “bad”. The big line I draw here is to try not to harm myself or others.
Truth is, with all this introspection, there are still times when my human impulses come out. Sometimes, hopefully rarely, I have catty thoughts. Sometimes, I am tired, hungry, cranky and I lash out. I am really trying to do everything I can to limit these times, but they do still happen. So, what do you do when you mess up? Raising two kids into adulthood has made me reflect on this. Here are my answers:
1. Admit your mistake. Own up to it! Don’t pass the buck. Don’t make excuses.
2. Make amends. Is there any way you can correct your mistake? Can you make amends?
3. Apologize. Do this whether you can fix the problem or not. Sincerely apologize to yourself and whoever is affected.
4. Learn whatever you can from your mistake. Don’t repeat your mistakes.
5. Let it go and forgive yourself. I think we sometimes err on this step. We either convince ourselves that we are not in error and don’t need to forgive, or we beat ourselves up over and over.
Try my method out and let me know!
Get More Happy 