After the Cup Falls

The kitchen is quiet when I reach for a blue coffee mug.

Morning light only just begins to touch the window. I open the cupboard, slide my hand around the handle, and pull too quickly.

The cup strikes the floor before I can catch it.

One sharp crack.

The blue cup shatters into a million pieces that scatter around the room.

I freeze. Thoughts zip unbidden through my brain ~

Careless.

Clumsy.

You should have paid more attention.

The noise starts to mount inside. I take a deep breath. I let everything stop, and I quiet my mind.

Alone, I say to myself ~

“It’s okay to make mistakes.”

I get the broom. I get the dustpan. I grab the largest piece and chuck it into the trash can. I sweep up the rest.

Grace does not leave sharp pieces under the table. I don’t pretend the cup never broke. I face the mess and clean it up.

I show myself grace, and I’m kind to myself.

I can say, “I moved too quickly,” without saying, “I’m careless.” I can name what happened without turning it into my name. I am not the emotions or thoughts that pass through me. I do not have to identify with the things that happen.

I choose what I say and believe about myself, and that makes all the difference.

A small blue sliver shines beside the cabinet, so I sweep a second time.

I face the mess and clean it up.

I’m not angry at myself.

I do not speak against myself.

Instead, I choose to pay attention, repair the damage, and resolve to make the next right move.

I put the broom back where it goes.

I know that I will make mistakes. That is okay. I move boldly, and I correct as I go. Breaking a few mugs is inevitable. I am not the mistakes I make.

When the mistake is larger, my work is larger. I tell the truth. I apologize. I replace what I broke. I correct what I can. I accept what I cannot undo.

I never add punishment to the repair, and I know that things will work out exactly how they were always meant to ~

I say it quietly because kindness doesn’t put on an act.

“I am kind to myself.”

I return to the cupboard. I slow down and lift another mug with both hands ~ careful, deliberate ~ and set it on the counter.

I pay attention. I use both hands. I always try again ~ and I do not quit.

As I pour the coffee, the room grows brighter, and glorious sunlight washes over me.

I hold the warm cup and look at the clean floor. A big ol’ smile spreads across my face. I take a sip and then I say ~

“It’s okay to make mistakes.”

“I am kind to myself.”

“I give myself grace.”

“I pay attention. I use both hands. I always try again.”

The first sip wakes me up, and I get the feeling that today is going to be the best day ever.