Recognize It and Let It Go

My son hates to make a mistake. Who doesn't. He gets down on himself, thinking that he has let everyone down in some way. He says he is stupid, because that's how he feels. I must admit that I am probably the same way, I just don't verbalize it. I am a man. I bury it.

Last night I found myself asking him why he can't admit when he makes a mistake. He says the words get caught in his throat. True enough. I told him that he has to be able to recognize his mistakes, admit them, see how he could avoid them in the future and then let it go. Sounds simple, but we all know how hard that is. Lord knows I can't always follow my own advice on this subject.

I told Jonah it is what he has to do if he wants to be happier. That's true for all of us. We have to forgive ourselves and try better next time. Most of all, we have to let it go.