My Mistake

Somebody’s gotta say it, so here it is:

Poor choices are not mistakes.

They are exactly what their name implies.

Choices.

And it’s important that we understand and make the distinction.

Because…

The problem with passing every poor action, decision, and behavior off as a “ mistake” is:

It relieves the person of the ownership, responsibility, and accountability of their choices.

It’s a slippery slope.

Because unaccountable children grow up to be unaccountable adults.

It’s cyclical.

Mistakes are accidental unintentional oversights and require no forethought.

Poor choices are deliberate.

“Mistakes are the scapegoats for poor choices,” but where does it stop?

Because a consistent pattern of poor choices turns into bad habits, and if we are never held accountable for them, what have we learned?

When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we teach them and others that their actions don’t have consequences.

We teach them that they are exempt.

And ultimately, create a pattern of disconnection and disrepair.

Give grace, and move in love, yes, but…

“We are all accountable for our actions and their effect and influence on our lives and the lives of others.” ~ Unknown

We are all responsible for what we offer and what we leave behind.

Love.