Can You Really Erase the Past—Or Are You Meant to Rewrite It?
April 15th was National Rubber Eraser Day—a small celebration for something most of us took for granted in our school days: the rubber eraser. I posted about this on social media and added a bit of trivia which generated a couple of interesting comments. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could erase away the mistakes we’ve made in our lives? Or would it?
Did you know that before the eraser was invented in 1770 by Edward Nairne, people used breadcrumbs to rub out pencil marks. Imagine that—crumbs! But when rubber entered the scene, it changed everything. Suddenly, correcting mistakes became cleaner, easier, and even expected.
And that’s where the lesson lies.
In life, just like on paper, we make marks—some bold, some uncertain, and yes, some we wish we could erase. But here’s the truth:
Mistakes are not the enemy. Avoiding them is.
We all wish we could undo decisions, relationships, missed opportunities, or painful detours. But while an eraser might wipe away a pencil line, life’s errors leave behind something more valuable: wisdom.
Why We Can’t Erase Everything
As a Life Transition Coach, I work with women who are rebuilding after difficult seasons—divorce, trauma, career pivots, or self-doubt. Many come to me wishing they could simply "erase" what happened.
But here’s the thing:
You don’t need to erase the past to rewrite your future.
Your mistakes carry messages. They help you identify what matters, what you’ll no longer tolerate, and who you truly are becoming. Mistakes, when reflected upon, become the pencil marks that guide your growth.
The Real Use of the Eraser
Instead of erasing to forget, what if we "erase" to refine?
Erase limiting beliefs that no longer serve you.
Erase the need for perfection.
Erase guilt that’s holding you back.
Erase shame and replace it with self-compassion.
Then, with courage and clarity, you pick up the pencil again—and keep writing.
A Call to Action
While the National Rubber Eraser Day may have come and gone, we can still take a moment to reflect:
What “mistake” shaped you into who you are today?
What part of your life are you ready to edit—not with regret, but with wisdom?
What chapter is waiting to be written because you were brave enough to let go?
You don’t need a clean slate. You just need the willingness to rewrite your story with grace, growth, and boldness. What are you waiting for?
Need support as you navigate life’s transitions? Let’s talk. You don’t have to rewrite your next chapter alone.
Until next time,
Coach Deborah
Website: www.brokentoboldness.com
Email: deborah@brokentoboldness.com