Sunday, March 16, 2008

Mistake Central This Week

I know I’m really late posting. It’s been a busy week for me out there in my other world. The interesting thing is that I’m continuing to be able to treat myself as kindly as I would a guest in my house. And the universe has been testing me. I swear I have made more foolish blunders in the past week or so than I normally would over a few months! And I’ve been able to remember to lighten up, laugh about it, and know that it’s okay. I’ve been able to see that nothing terrible will happen, I’m not an idiot, and that what I want to do is focus on what’s going right in my life.

Now this may not seem like much to you, but I’m one of those people who grew up having it drilled into my head that I should never make mistakes and horrible things would happen if I did. I’m one of those people who used to be mortified if anyone else realized I’d made a mistake. (Like it’s actually possible to never make mistakes. Sheesh, the things we let ourselves believe!)

Over the past week or so, quite a few times I’ve had to publicly acknowledge mistakes—or have lots of people see me make them. And the funny thing is that I’m okay with it. I really am. Which is a weird feeling—but I like it.

That doesn’t mean I want to be careless or make lots of mistakes, only that I really like being able to accept myself as imperfect and human—and still okay.

Here’s hoping that no matter how imperfect your week has been or how many mistakes you might have made, you still appreciate the wonderful person you are!

Sending blessings and safe and gentle (((((((hugs)))))),
April_Optimist

Oh, and there’s a new Carnival Against Abuse with some powerful posts. The link is: http://enola-survivor.blogspot.com/2008/03/experience-re-birth-after-child-abuse.html

10 comments:

Karma said...

Mistakes can be a big issue for me as well. I once had a cognitive behavioral therapist tell me that I'd experience less anxiety in general if I gave myself more permission to make mistakes and was more forgiving with myself when I did that. I tend to find that I'm harder on myself with this than others.

jumpinginpuddles said...

oh we make mistakes so often we usually say now this might be an oops but LOL better announce you might get it wrong first saves time later hehehehee

Anonymous said...

we all make mistakes but moving on and not dwelling on them is the way to go. our dad used to push all to be perfect in every way, it sure is nice to not have that pressure anymore which makes for less mistakes in the long run!

peace and blessings

keepers

Enola said...

I don't allow myself to make mistakes without beating myself up continuosly. I make myself sick worrying about them too. I'm working on cutting myself more slack. Glad to see you are making progress too on this front!

Marj aka Thriver said...

Thanks for this post--it's a great reminder. I'm so glad you updated us on the "guest in your own home" idea. Good work!

I, personally, think it is a HUGE thing to see that you are not an idiot. I'm not an idiot, either. Phhhewww! What a relief! ;)

And, I totally get the thing about enjoying admitting mistakes. It's cool, isn't it? I try to admit my mistakes to my own child and I consider this a gift to him. We all make mistakes and it's okay. Mom is human, too! :)

Anonymous said...

Good for you!! I call myself an imperfect perfectionist so I totally understand where you are coming from.

My motivation used to be proving to people from my past (family) that I was not what they said or how they tried to make me feel. Good things happened..but I realized I was still giving them my power.
The best thing was when I stopped caring what they said/say or thought/think. It was a powerful unfolding ...I see the same power in you now!!
Keep going and growing girl...you are wonderful!!

April_optimist said...

Karma, Yeah, that seems to be how most of us see ourselves. But how wonderful when we change that default to one where we love and accept ourselves!

Jumping in Puddles, LOL!

Ah, Keepers, I'm smiling to see that you've reached this point in your life. Good for you!!!

Enola, I often have to remind myself to take a deep breath and relax, to remember that it will all be okay and there is a reason for what's happening. (I'll go over lists of times I've thought I was making a mistake but nothing terrible happened OR it turned out it wasn't a mistake after all...)

Marj, I'm grinning at your comment, too. WTG!!!

Gypsy Heart, I love it! Yes, absolutely right--we want to take back our power. I love what Wayne Dyer says: What you think of me is none of my business.

Marj aka Thriver said...

Thank you for this gift--this piece of writing, April. I used to think if I was "an idiot" I might as well be dead. Wow! What a revelation to remember that it's okay. As usual, you really have a way of putting things that really just makes so much sense!

Marj aka Thriver said...

Oops! I already commented on this post. I guess it really had an impact on me! That sure says something about your writing, April! ;)

April_optimist said...

Marj, Ooooh, yes, I remember feeling that way, too! Isn't it wonderful and freeing to be able to accept ourselves as imperfect? So glad it resonated so strongly with you.