While mistakes aren't a huge issue in my life, I actually spend and waste a lot of time worrying about making mistakes, and also find myself being unnecessarily critical of those around me when they make mistakes (both overtly and covertly).

No one is bad and sinful by nature; rather, we are projecting these characteristics onto the objects we are viewing in this way. Both non-virtuous and virtuous actions arise because of the way we view things, and we have the ability to eliminate ignorant views and replace them with "right view."

My journey to Italy started out as a top-of-the-bucket-list dream that I was never quite sure I would cross off.

What's amazing is that when we consciously release our misery-inducing, controlling ways, we feel better! By this I mean, freer, more at ease, relaxed, and reassured in a manner that can only come from profoundly letting go.