“To err is human” right? That’s perhaps a nicer way to say it.
The thing is, it’s true.
We are all human. Just trying to do our best.
Trying to get through our day without stressing out too much, or having a full blown panic attack.
Laying in bed at night and suddenly remembering all the things that we were supposed to do today.
Be Kind To Yourself
I’d like to hope that we are getting a little better at remembering that we are only human.
That we are a little kinder on ourselves when we forget things or have a rough day.
Because it’s true…
There is only so much you can do
It’s ok not to have all of your shit together (I’m yet to meet anyone who really does. Sure, there are good days when it feels like it, but there are definitely days when it all falls apart)
But we still seem to forget that we aren’t the only ones
Realise That Others Are Human Too
To err is human… yet we are quick to criticize when others make mistakes.
My Facebook feed is full of people venting… at that person who cut in front of them in traffic, at the delivery man who didn’t leave their parcel, and the long queue in the shops.
And while we expect better when it comes to customer service (and we should) we forget that they are only human too.
That person who cut you off in traffic… maybe they are having a really rough day and received some bad, personal news. Maybe they just didn’t see you. Maybe they were distracted. Who knows?!
That delivery driver who didn’t leave your parcel… maybe he simply missed you on the list, maybe he read the address wrong, maybe his wife just called to say she had gone into labor and he cut his route short… who knows?!
And that busy line at the supermarket? Well, firstly, it’s not the fault of the poor person serving you. They are stressed and overworked and hate the queues just as much as you do. Maybe someone called in sick and the replacement they called hasn’t arrived yet, maybe there was a rostering issue that they are now frantically trying to fix, maybe someone got injured and has just been taken to the Dr leaving them short staffed… who knows?!
Remember To Exhale And Let Go
You see, the full quote reads:
‘To err is human; to forgive, divine.’
Alexander Pope, from the poem An Essay on Criticism, Part II , 1711
So remember, it’s ok to screw up. You are human! Breathe, forgive yourself and move on.
But also remember, that everyone else is human too! So before you take something personally, remember that if it is ok for you to screw up, then logically, it is ok for them to screw up too.
Take a deep breath, forgive them and move on.
(And of course, if it keeps happening, feel free to move service providers or change the relationship. )