Being Wrong and Sitting in Wrongness

As a child I thought being wrong meant greatly disappointing others, even to the extreme of them tossing you to the side for causing so much trouble. Being wrong was not an option. Defending the wrongness so the actions could be justified as reasonable and understandable became natural instead. So today, I must ask, does that thought and action still serve me?

Instead of being gentle and allowing for a learning curve, I put immense pressure on myself to get it all right. When I do make a mistake and have someone correct me, it triggers that instant defensive stance. I immediately start explaining why I was doing it to justify my actions. Meanwhile, I’m missing out on and delaying the teaching and learning that is to occur.

I can imagine the stress my physical body is carrying from this protective habit. It’s difficult to be present and accepting of the gentle reminders that it’s OK being wrong. Making mistakes is part of the journey of learning and growing. I have been resisting and denying the full expression of making mistakes.

This habit was brought into my awareness today and has sat with me uncomfortably…my reason to explore it. My reasonings I developed as a child no longer serve and support my growth and must change. I must have compassion for myself and sit with my mistakes and embrace them, accept them gracefully with open arms instead of crossed arms.