WE CANNOT UNDO

“Life is a game of chess. You cannot undo the move.”

It was the day of the Board Exam results. There were butterflies in my stomach. This is something I go through year after year along with the parents. It is always our desire to bring joy and celebration in every family, where children have given their Board exams. It was once again celebration time for me when we secured cent percent results in both the schools, in std X, XI & XII. A school is recognized for the results it produces, the colleges into which the students get admission and where they are placed in life. The school alumni should be amongst the high profile, in well-placed jobs. Can we ever miss out on ensuring this? So, a teacher cannot afford to commit any mistakes.     

One year of bad teaching, one rude remark, overlooking or neglecting a child’s mistakes one year, can all affect a child. We cannot undo the scar or the damage done. We can plead innocence, we can blame circumstances, we can point a finger at the child, but nothing will give back that one year to the child. A year lost is lost. We cannot undo our actions.

We can only make amends and ensure that we do not repeat it again.

Students also realize only after seeing the Board exam marks that they were   capable of better performance. But you get only one chance. You will have to settle for something less. Now all that you can do is, regret the time wasted. That you could have utilized the time at your disposal, that your parents only prodded you for your well-being, that the intentions of your teachers were good, that you got drawn into wrong company, that you yourself are responsible for the state in which you are.  

You cannot undo your actions. All that you can do is, make a resolve to use your potential and move forward to achieve the glory that you truly deserve.  

As parents, we should also be mindful of our actions. Wrong parenting could affect many people whom our children come in contact with, for no fault of theirs. As a sibling, as a spouse, as an employee or employer, children who haven’t had the right upbringing, don’t get their equations right. Their presence may become intimidating for others. We cannot undo our actions once they become adults, as it becomes their personality. Right parenting is a discipline that we need to develop.

This is true of relationships too. When you get into relationships of infatuation, and believe that you are made for each other, a day comes in one of your lives, when maturity sets in, and you realize that you have made the wrong choice.  You want to withdraw, but the other is not ready. By going into a relationship, with immaturity, you have damaged another person’s life. Now, you cannot undo your action. You become guilty of the emotional trauma you created for that person. If that person takes a drastic step, you become responsible for that. You will live in pain for the rest of your life. Think about it. Wrong action and inaction will lead to consequences that you will regret. Think twice before you do something. Ask yourself whether your actions will lift you up or pull you down.

Even if it is painful, do what is right. Even if it is pleasurable, avoid what is wrong. Take responsibility for your actions, and thus your life.

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting