Mistake or Habit: What Deserves Our Forgiveness?
Mother and her muses
Is Forgiving a Habit, a path to Growth or a Compromise of Self-Worth?
Have you ever heard the story of Lord Ganesha, the revered elephant-headed deity, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati? He wasn’t born as we know him. Parvati crafted him herself, shaping him from clay, turmeric, and ghee, and with a breath of life, her creation came to be. She tasked her beloved Ganesha with standing guard while she bathed, unaware that this simple act of protection would lead to one of the most symbolic moments in Hindu mythology.
When Lord Shiva arrived and found this unfamiliar boy blocking his path, anger surged through him. Without a second thought, Shiva severed Ganesha’s head. But when Parvati saw what had happened, her heart shattered. Her grief was so powerful that it moved even the mighty Shiva, who, in his haste to correct his error, replaced Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant’s.
So, why am I sharing this tale? What does it have to do with our habits or the mistakes we make as humans?
In this story, we see that even gods, in moments of blind emotion, can make grave errors. But what matters more is the immediate recognition of that mistake and the sincere effort to make it right.
Shiva, the great destroyer, was not exempt from error, and his swift action to correct his wrong reminds us that forgiveness and growth often begin when we face our mistakes head-on. Similarly, Goddess Parvati's acceptance and willingness to see her husband’s remorse is a testament to the power of compassion.
Now, what if this one mistake became a habit? Would Goddess Parvati continue to forgive Shiva endlessly? That’s a question we may never know the answer to. But if we look at today’s world, I think it’s safe to say most women wouldn’t. We stand strong in protecting our children’s mental, emotional and physical safety.
Men often seek compassion, empathy, and love—but so do women. Relationships are built on mutual respect and understanding, not one-sided devotion. Taking a woman for granted, especially when she pours her heart and soul into caring for those she loves, is a dangerous pattern—one no man should fall into.
In the same way Shiva acted out of impulsiveness and sought immediate forgiveness, modern-day men must understand that forgiveness is not endless. It comes with the expectation of change and growth. A woman’s love should never be mistaken for something that can be continuously tested. Her strength lies in her ability to nurture, but that same strength will walk away when her value is ignored.
As much as women are capable of deep love and forgiveness, they also demand respect, appreciation, and reciprocation. Habits that dismiss her efforts, belittle her sacrifices, or take her presence for granted will only push her further away. And once trust is broken repeatedly, healing becomes harder, and even forgiveness can run out.
Forgiveness then becomes something she does for herself. It is no longer about excusing the behavior of others but about finding her own peace. She seeks deep self-reflection and transforms the way she views the world around her. With trust and faith shattered, her journey becomes one of resilience, pushing her to guard her heart and conquer the world on her own terms.
Her guides are no longer those who failed her, but the angels who saved her from the flames of betrayal. Her mentors become those who have walked the path of adversity, emerging stronger on the other side. With each step, she draws strength from the lessons of those who came before her, and her faith is no longer dependent on others but is restored by the small, subtle signs that the universe places on her path.
She begins to see alignment in the moments where life sends her the right people, opportunities, and experiences—reminding her that she is never truly alone. Her faith is no longer blind; it is sharp, awakened, and deeply connected to the synchronicities that lead her forward. And though she may walk with caution, her spirit is unbreakable, and her strength undeniable.
She passes these lessons on to her children, teaching them to discern right from wrong, to understand the difference between righteousness and wickedness, and to observe if actions align with words. She battles her own struggles with trust and faith, hoping her children never have to carry the same fears. Instead, she becomes their emotional anchor, a safe harbor where they can unburden their sorrows, knowing they are held in love and care.
It was through Goddess Parvati’s unwavering love and devotion that Lord Ganesha became the god of wisdom, luck, and the remover of obstacles. He is the only deity worshiped before all others—a testament to the strength he gained from his mother’s nurturing heart.
Her love was so profound that she stood fearless against her own husband, Lord Shiva, the god of destruction. Parvati's fearless stance in the face of Shiva’s wrath was a testament to the depth of her love for her child.
Her strength and defiance in protecting her son infused Ganesha with the immense power he now offers to his devotees. It was his mother’s boldness, her mighty love, that gave him the strength to lead, to protect, and to guide others. Her fierce protection in the darkest of times set the foundation for Ganesha’s own role as the remover of obstacles.
It is the mother who shields her children, even in the face of destruction. It is the mother who sees beyond fear, standing strong and unyielding, no matter the circumstances.
It is the MOTHER who gives life, protection, and strength!
The MOTHER!
My hope is to inspire you. My purpose is to pay it forward with my wisdom and lessons. If you feel lost, alone, drained and need guidance, I’m here to help and heal.
Disclaimer: This article is the original work of Deepti Prakash and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. All content is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of any part of this work without permission is strictly prohibited. To share or reference this material, please credit the author appropriately and obtain prior written consent.