You are remarkable!
You are “Fearfully and wonderfully made.” And don’t believe anything less. The Bible also says that the work of God’s hand is marvelous.
You and I, we’re a marvelous work of God!
Sometimes, we forget who we are and our most endearing and common attribute—we’re human.
Some say we are a marvel but human. I beg to differ. We are wonderful and human. There are no ifs and buts about it!
To error, make mistakes, or blunder is human. Respecting and acknowledging these facts about our humanity, we learn not only to forgive others but also to forgive ourselves.
Who says forgiving oneself is easy? Sometimes, it is easier to reconcile with others than to shut down our inner critic.
Defending ourselves for being human isn’t a cop-out when we accept responsibility for our actions. Free and deliberate forgiveness is good medicine that enables the disquieted spirit to move past regret, guilt, shame, and self-badgering.
Constant rumination, wishing this and that had not happened, hinders self-compassion and blocks the pathway to forgiveness.
Realizing that it happened and that— it is what it is—is a good beginning.
Henry Ford said, “The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.”
The lessons learned teach us how to avoid similar problems and fumbles. We become wiser.
I thought about the Apple iPhone and its many series or versions.
What does the iPhone have to do with forgiveness and individual growth?
Our life experiences create better versions of ourselves. Insight from mistakes leads to spiritual growth and self-improvement, just as technological advances help the development of better products.
The iPhone is on its 34th generation, model, or version, with the first one created in 2007. There’s a commitment to growth—wouldn’t you agree?
By the way, I recently got an iPhone upgrade! My upgrade was years overdue! I’m on a technology roll!
I don’t know what version of Betty Smith I am today, but I know we’re worth every effort and self-investment to become the best version of ourselves.
You are smart, you are kind, you are important! God loves you!
Our loved ones, parents, and relatives constructed these first version principles into our minds and hearts.
Growing up, we all had to come clean and admit to embarrassing wrongdoings, especially lying about something.
Yes, we still make mistakes; we’re constantly reminded that we’re human.
To be accountable for our actions and forgive ourselves is human and the right thing to do.
Forgiving oneself is a part of self-care and well-being.
I remember when I got my first speeding ticket. I was listening to a Helen Baylor song. It didn’t feel like I was going too fast. My speed was as smooth as Helen’s voice.
I felt terrible, and a particular someone made me feel worse about the error.
Anyway, Loqutus never would have known about the ticket had I not told him.
I paid for the mistake, silenced my inner critic, learned my lesson, and dismissed any further negativity.
Avoiding accountability stifles change and growth.
Don’t beat up on yourself or let others do the same.
We’re all human.
Be well.