AWARE
I have been thinking a lot recently about how terrible I feel about things I did or said when I wasn’t aware how much damage they were causing.
In one case, I was partially responsible for making a report about a fellow resident at a place where I lived (I was the head resident) that resulted in her ability to keep living there being revoked.
In another, I was partially (but not solely) responsible for reinforcing an environment where a colleague was terminated for violating procedures at our office.
In both cases, I wish (in retrospect) that I had demonstrated more maturity.
In a recent situation where I had the opportunity to stay something constructive rather than share an opinion that cast doubt on another’s abilities, I failed to stay constructive.
With the amount of time that has passed since the first two instances, I am aware all of these years later that I could have been a more engaged leader and could have possibly created an atmosphere of productive improvement rather than rejection.
In the third case, I still have time to approach the situation from an angle of support, not skepticism.
It’s never too late to grow.
Welcome to this week’s Five Minute Friday. Our instructions, via coordinator Kate Motaung: “Write for five minutes on the word of the week. This is meant to be a free write, which means: no editing, no over-thinking, no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation.” (But I can’t resist spell checking, as you can imagine.)
Wife of one, Mom of two, Friend of many. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
We can’t undo the past, but we can learn from it, which obviously you have done and are now sharing very openly and vulnerably. Being given another chance to get it right this time is a blessing.
That’s a great perspective, Sandra! I often wonder if other people just grow/change FASTER or if it’s only our own change that seems glacial b/c we understand the ramifications of our actions. Thank you for showing grace.
Yep. That’s why they call it growth! I have had similar thoughts.
Right? Grateful for it and to be able to share with others.
I’ve also learned with time that sometimes just being quiet is the best answer.
You know, that’s very true!!