Dear Young Ones,
It’s okay to make mistakes, truly, it is. No one goes through life without stumbling a few times. Mistakes help us grow, teach us lessons, and remind us that we’re still learning. But there’s something I want you to always remember, SOME MISTAKES COME WITH A LIFETIME OF REGRET.
I was reminded of this when my daughter came to me a few days ago after school. She had been part of a group discussion with her classmates, a topic that had everyone talking and taking sides. She wanted to know my opinion, curious to see what I thought about what they’d been debating.
As she spoke, I could see how much the topic mattered to her, how, from the perspective of a teenager, she was eager to figure out what was right. I listened, then asked her to imagine how her choices today, even small ones, could shape her future. I told her gently, “It’s okay to make mistakes, but some choices aren’t easy to undo. Some can follow you for a lifetime.”
She grew quiet, thinking about it. Then she said, “So it’s not just about being right, it’s about being wise?” I smiled and said, “Exactly. Wisdom means thinking ahead, seeing beyond the moment and being careful with some decisions.
My dear young ones, life will offer you many choices. Some will seem fun, exciting, or harmless in the moment. But not everything that feels right now will feel right forever. Pause before you decide. Think about who you want to be and what kind of story you want to tell about your life later.
Many people make mistakes that teach them valuable lessons, yet still leave them with lifetime regret. It’s perfectly fine to explore the world, live your youth, be yourself, and make spontaneous choices, but remember that not every mistake can be undone.
You don’t have to be perfect, just thoughtful. Mistakes will teach you, but wisdom will protect you. Choose well, your future self will thank you for it.
✍️ Amara Ann Unachukwu
