Looking at our past experiences in the light of everything that we’ve learned over the years, sometimes we’re left with bad feelings about our old mistakes. We judge ourselves harshly, asking how we could have been so foolish and messed things up so much.
When I catch myself doing that, I take a moment to shift my perspective and consider what might have been gained from the mistake. Often the “failure” was actually a valuable learning experience, setting the stage for much better things to happen. Instead of criticizing our past selves for their ignorance, we should instead thank them for their wisdom and perseverance in understanding the lesson and trying again!
Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to “give this planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.” Visit her site to find more Nurturing Thursday posts and a list of frequent contributors.
Absolutely true — there are lessons in our failures and our successes. When we look at it this way — it changes the perspective of our journey! I need to remind myself of the importance of gratitude for both outcomes. Thank you for sharing!
Yes, perspective and gratitude go together, that’s a good way to look at it!
So true, Meg. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you liked the post, Indira 🙂
Some days the only thing I can write in my gratitude journal is ‘I tried’… and that’s OK.
Great post, Meg x
Trying is indeed something to be grateful for. 🙂
Dear Meg, love this message, your words are wise. Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad you found it helpful, Elizabeth!
So true, Meg. We just need to make sure we continue learning from past and present mistakes (we will still make them) instead of judging ourselves harshly. I have noticed I ‘get over’ my mistakes much faster now than used to when I was younger.
Yes, that’s one good thing about growing older — we gain enough perspective to understand how insignificant our mistakes usually are.