"I've lived long enough to know the difference between a mistake and a tragedy. Some of what I carry falls in between-moments I wish I could redo, things I said or didn't say, relationships I mishandled, and opportunities I let slip through my fingers. They don't scream at me every day, but they visit me quietly. The memory of my mistakes is like a second shadow-one that doesn't leave when the light changes."
"That moment wasn't an isolated one. There have been many like her-friends, lovers, colleagues-people I walked away from too soon or too late. Some I hurt with silence. Others I lost because I couldn't admit I was wrong. I see now that my pride got in the way. So did fear. So did the misguided belief that being clever or bold or accomplished could make up for emotional messiness. It didn't."
An individual acknowledges that mistakes are inevitable and emphasizes the importance of forgiving oneself. Memories of errors persist quietly like a second shadow, even amid meaningful accomplishments and deep love. Specific regrets include leaving without thanking a compassionate woman after a car accident and walking away from people due to pride and fear. Pride, fear, and the belief that accomplishments could compensate for emotional shortcomings prevented apologies and repair. The individual recognizes that cleverness, boldness, or success cannot substitute for emotional honesty. Humility, acknowledgement, and self-forgiveness are needed to address lingering failures.
Read at Tiny Buddha
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