Search Results for: blog learning from past mistakes

Do Not Let Your Past Define You

We’ve all made mistakes in our lives. What is important is that we are able to move past them and go forward with our lives. They do not define who we are; they are simply bumps in the road to where we ultimately want to be; without them we would not be where we are today. From each mistake made is a lesson to be learned. Perhaps you learned who you don’t want to be. Perhaps it was something smaller. Regardless, you took something away from that decision. You have no control over your past; it cannot be changed, but … Continue reading →

Reflections on the Past Year

We are nearing the end of the year but before you start making plans for next year, you should spend some time reflecting on the past year. What have been the ups and downs of your home-based business this past year? What have been the good things and the bad things that have happened? The reason it’s important to think about these things is because you need a foundation to build upon, before you can enter the New Year. You don’t want to make some of the same mistakes you have already made. So by recognizing those things that need … Continue reading →

Learning from the Mistakes of Others

We all make mistakes. Some of us make a lot more than others. But this is okay, because we learn from them … or at least, we try to learn from them, right? I know I tend to run into the same brick wall a few times before I really “get it,” but then I shake it off, make a mental note, and try to do better next time. That’s what life is about—having experiences, becoming stronger because of them, and moving on. But we don’t really need to make every mistake in the book in order to learn, do … Continue reading →

Learning to Forgive Ourselves

Yesterday I blogged about my terrible morning and how I sent my youngest son off to school crying. It was helpful to receive some feedback that I am not alone. It was also helpful when later that morning I made a trip to the beauty salon. I find the beauty salon to be therapeutic. Of course, it helps that my hair stylist happens to be my friend and I have been going to her for nearly 17 years now. As soon as I walked in the door she knew something was wrong. I spilled it all out and guess what? … Continue reading →

Learning from Past Mistakes

Have you ever looked at your kids and wondered how they can keep making the same mistakes, after you’ve told them time and time again about it? We can be tempted to think much the same when we look at Scripture and the Israelite people. Recently my readings have been in Numbers. I read how the Israelites refused to listen to Caleb and Joshua and ended up wandering in the wilderness for 40 years instead of entering the Promised Land. They also refused to listen to Moses and Aaron and grumbled against them, Numbers 16 and again in Numbers 20 … Continue reading →

Learning to Make Amends

Many of us parents start the process of teaching our children how to say they are “sorry” from a rather early age. Teaching, coaching and modeling how to apologize for misdeeds and mishaps can be challenging enough, teaching our children how to actually make amends for things they have done can be a developmental task that takes more time and effort. As children get older, it is important that they learn that sometimes it just isn’t enough to “say they are sorry.” Some deeds–like those where they have hurt another person or committed a crime–require that children learn how to … Continue reading →

Letting Go of the Past–Refraining From Bringing up Ancient History

Anger, rage, and frustration can all be hard emotions to wrangle. Often, because our attachment to our children is so strong, they have the ability to bring out some of the strongest and most intense emotions possible in us–and this can be a real impediment to parenting and solid, productive communication. One challenging communication blocker is when we bring up long past behaviors or actions when we’re trying to make a point or communicate with our child. It can be really tough (and SO important) to leave ancient history in the past where it belongs. Even rather young children resent … Continue reading →

Learning Not to Repeat Mistakes

While people who have gone through a divorce have a good idea of what went wrong, most move on in life only to repeat some of the same mistakes. One of the problems is that divorced people rarely allow themselves adequate time to heal. Even when couples have been separated for two years, once the divorce is final, they still need time to get past some of the hurt and anger. Remember, after the divorce, you want to be a better person – for you, the children, and your future. In addition, not taking adequate time to heal does the … Continue reading →

Traveling With Children—Learn From My Mistakes

I used to be one of those travelers who would see a mother and her screaming child in the boarding area of an airport and secretly hope they wouldn’t be seated near me on a crowded flight. Well, that’s not entirely true. What I was really hoping for was that they wouldn’t be on my flight at all. Fast-forward a few years–now I’m the one with the baby. I might be older and wiser than I was when I was single, but giving birth didn’t gift me with the power to read minds. Then again, I don’t have to be … Continue reading →

A Teen’s Reputation

How do you break out of a bad reputation? It can be really difficult and a painful lesson that one of my children is learning. It becomes even more frustrating when it’s a situation at church, and adults are involved. Youth leaders, who are supposed to be helping teens through these sometimes difficult years, yet can’t seem to let go of past behavior. Now I’m not talking out-of-control behavior. I’m speaking of a teen with an attitude and talking when you aren’t supposed to. Yet no matter how my child tries to remake herself, the old is the only thing … Continue reading →