One Apple A Day #1082
By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. — Confucius
I was supposed to be somewhere else this morning.
Most probably unable to do my writing practice.
Instead, here I am, at my usual place, tapping on the keyboard of my laptop to process what happened.
I screwed up.
Nothing major. Just a minor oversight but with relevant consequences.
Though, how do you measure a mistake? By its size or by its impact?
I forgot to complete a form. I did all the complex and unclear ones, and I missed the easy and obvious one. As a result, I couldn't travel as planned.
I didn't sleep well but beating myself won't help.
Luckily for me, I have this morning practice to help me process what happens in my life, learn my lessons and move forward.
For sure, I've learned that when I focus so much on an issue or challenge, my gaze becomes narrow, and everything outside my focal point becomes blurry. I may solve that specific problem or challenge, but I lose perspective on the bigger picture and miss something important. When I'm in "problem-solving" mode, I overlook the mundane and obvious things. I've also learned that small oversight can have a significant impact. That’s my second lesson: nothing is minor. As they say, the devil is in the details.
Another thing that I've learned is the importance of self-compassion.
I am human. I made mistakes.
I don't know if it's inevitable, but I know that it happens.
What would I do if someone else made the same mistake? I'd probably be unsettled for a second, but that I'll move on and do my best to find a solution. So, it's time to forgive myself, get up and find a way out and through this.