I have been a perfectionist since my childhood. And I remember I used to make a sleek hairstyle when I combed my hair after the shower. I tried to achieve the highest grade in the class and made every possible effort to be on top. I was used to erasing words repeatedly with the eraser to correct mistakes. And perfecting the shapes of the alphabet was my habit in school. But I was deprived of this privilege of erasing words when I got promoted to 6th grade, where we had to use pen instead of lead pencils.
Sometimes, I put lots of effort into erasing and correcting mistakes in my work before submitting it to the teacher. As pen leaves permanent impressions, and a simple eraser no longer works. I had to change my method of correcting mistakes. I started using chalk to cover up my mistakes, but they reemerged later.
Cross and Correcting Mistakes and Move Onward
Then I started using saliva to smudge the ink impressions, which barred mistakes from reappearing but often left the page with holes. All my efforts to correct errors ultimately turned into worse outcomes. My teachers complained about my dirty and messy work. I often got punishments for the holes in my notebooks, while all I tried to do was hide and cover up my errors.
One day, a kind-hearted teacher called me into his office and asked why I didn’t stop creating holes in my notebooks. I told him I don’t deliberately make holes; it tries to hide my mistakes. He replied with a great tip “Any time you make a mistake, just cross it and move on.”
He explained,” Trying to erase your mistakes would only damage your book and eat up even the correct words written over the leaf.”
I protested,” but I do not want people to know about my flaws and shortcomings.” My kind teacher smiled and responded,” Trying to erase your mistakes would only waste your time, make more mess and noise about your mistakes, and destroy your reputation. Instead, you can put some effort and resources into writing more beautiful words ahead”.
Forgive Yourself and Move Forward
Have you been correcting mistakes committed by you? Cross them and try to move onwards. Try to avoid them in the future. Aren’t you matters between you and your Lord? He only demands your repentance in silence, A sincere repentance with a promise of avoiding them in the future. It is among the distinguishing features of Islam that none of the Ibadah is against the dignity of human beings. You do not need to expose your weaknesses in front of people to correct them. Your pure intention is enough to correct your mistakes, and that’s all.
So, from now onwards, cheer up! A better future is ahead. Let the past go, and aim for a better future clean of mistakes.
