The Essence of Mistakes

Monday, June 17, 2013 Unknown 0 Comments Category : be inspired♥ , random thoughts

"To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction."
-Newton's 3rd Law of Motion

Humans as we are, committing mistakes is one of the most inevitable challenges to face in this tumultuous world. Be it in personal relationships, family matters, business affairs, or even to your next-door neighbor. Nobody is perfect. No one is exempted. However, I must say, the real trial does not lie here. The real challenge lies on how you deal and react with these mistakes, if ever you encounter or make one. Most of us will somehow find these difficult to attend to because of our ego and our pride. Yes, it is natural but we should also keep in mind that we are not in this world to live alone. We are here for other people. Others are here for us. One cannot go without the other. We might as well know how to humble ourselves and get along with others.

How do we deal with someone who made a mistake to us? Do we have to revenge for their wrong doing? Do we have to throw a very big boulder for the pebble they throw at us? Will it make us less of an offender? The answer, of course, is a big NO. A mistake cannot be corrected by another mistake. It will just make things worse. Worst part is, in the end, we will be the sole victim of our own mindless action. So, how do we do it? This is the part where Newton's 3rd Law of Motion enters. It is not just for Physics. Who would have thought that it has something to do with our morals? "To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction." For every mistake; every bad thing; every misfortune done unto us, we should know how to counterpart it with every possible positive action that we can. When someone makes a mistake to us or when someone hates us, extensive amount of energy will unleash from them. We should also let out the same amount of energy but in the opposite manner. They do you bad, do good anyway. In the end, you will just find out that you end up as a victor.

On the other hand, how do we handle our own mistakes? Do we have to run away and ignore it? Do we have to let it pass and hope it will be forgotten? Do we have to cry over spilled milk? The answer, once again, is a big NO. Facing our own demons is a hard row to hoe but all will be rewarding in the end. All will be well. You will grow up and you will eventually learn from it. As quoted by August Wilson:

"Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength."

There are many ways on how to let our angels sing. There is no best method on how to handle this hasty conduct of ours but at least we should try which works better for us. Here are some and I hope these will help you the next time you creep up on the dark parts of yourself:

Smiling is the best reaction in all situations. No matter how painful it will be, try your best to smile. It is the best stress reliever and it will help you to stay calm throughout the situation.
Silence is the best answer to all questions. If and only the situation is chaotic and the other party is still hysterical. If you will try to speak out at this moment, it will make things worse and nothing will be settled. Timing is very important.
Admit your mistake. Easy to say, hard to do but wouldn't it be nice to let out of that burden you carry in your heart and in your mind? Do it and you will feel better afterwards.
"Sorry" may not be enough but still it is needed. Apologize from the bottom of your heart. In this way, you are leaving the choice to the other person involved. It is up to him if he will accept it or not. As long as you're doing the right thing, somehow you will just be able to clear your conscience.
Apart from words, do actions. Suggest on ways on how you can make up for your mistake. Don't wait for the other person to let you do something. This is your initiative.
Keep calm and wait. When you have already done the above-mentioned ways, don't expect that the other person will forgive you at once. It takes time and you should be patient enough to wait for that right moment. Everything will be alright in the end.
Learn from your mistakes. This is the most important part.

As they say, the best teachers are our own mistakes. They are the building blocks of wisdom. However, too much mistakes can destroy us. It will not only hurt other people but also ourselves. It can lower our self-esteem and stain our reputation. Words once spoken can never be recalled. Actions once done can never be pulled back. Thus, think a million times before doing something because regret always comes after the damage has been done.