*The Bunch of Mistakes*
Growing up in Baramulla, Kashmir, I, Insha Gul, was a whirlwind of energy and curiosity. My childhood was a mix of laughter, adventure, and plenty of mistakes.
I remember the time I decided to "redecorate" my room with mom's favorite lipstick. I was 5, and the walls looked so blank. Why not add some color, right? Mom wasn't thrilled š .
In school, I was notorious for getting into trouble. There was the great pencil-sharpener incident where I managed to shred my favorite notebook trying to "improve" the sharpener. My friends laughed, and I learned a lesson (and got a new notebook).
But it wasn't all fun and games. I made some poor choices, like hanging out with a crowd that wasn't the best influence. I got involved in things I shouldn't have, like staying silent when I knew my classmates were taking things from our bags. I didn't speak up, and it ate away at me.
There were consequences for my actions, though. Me and my siblings often got punished because we forgot our lunch, and I'd stress my mom out to bring it. I was trapped in a cycle of causing worry and getting scolded.
At home, I was a bit of a handful. I'd call my mom "grandpa" when she scolded me (oops, not the best move š¬). I'd also scold my sister for hanging out with the "wrong" crowd, not realizing I was being a bit too controlling. My sister would roll her eyes, but I'd just shrug it off.
One time, I was playing with coins and decided to swallow one. Big mistake. My parents freaked out, and we ended up at the hospital. Docs said I was lucky it didn't get stuck. Who knew coins weren't snacks? š
In class, I was stubborn. I didn't accept my mistakes easily. I'd argue my point even when I knew I was wrong. My teachers would get frustrated, but I just didn't see it then.
One incident still haunts me. I was supposed to take care of my younger brother, but I was distracted. He fell, and he got injured. I lied to mom, saying I did nothing wrong. The guilt lingered, and it wasn't until later that I realized how much I'd hurt my brother and my parents.
There were other quirks too. I'd hide veggies in my napkin during dinner, thinking no one noticed. I'd "accidentally" push my siblings during playtime (oops again). And I'd often leave my stuff all over the place, expecting someone else to clean up š .
I'd pretend to be asleep when mom called for chores š¬. I'd blame my siblings for breaking stuff I did. I'd have "discussions" with friends over who was the best at games š. I'd also "reorganize" mom's kitchen, thinking I'd help (spoiler: I didn't š ).
I'd sometimes skip homework and play outside instead. I'd make up stories to get out of trouble (didn't work often). And I'd convince my siblings to join me in crazy plans (like the time we tried to make "lava" with baking soda š).
Looking back, those mistakes shaped me. I learned resilience, the value of advice, and that it's okay to be wrong. Now, as a 12th student, I'm trying to make fewer "big" mistakes and focus on growth. The journey's not easy, but I'm working on it š.
Some other things I did:
- I'd draw on walls with permanent markers (mom's face wasn't happy š¬).
- I'd "borrow" siblings' stuff without asking.
- I'd have food fights with siblings (messy but fun.
- I'd make fun of my sister's cooking (oops, sorry sis!).
My real story
Next episode pending
Will be done soon
Till then stay tuned
Goodbye