There’s is a pretty good chance each and every one of us has done at least a few things throughout our lives that we wish we hadn’t or haven’t done a few things we wish we had.
Regret is a heavy anchor that will hold us firmly in the past and prevent us from enjoying our present and future. It’s all-consuming and destructive.
Whether your regrets stem from internal regrets (the what ifs) or they’re more complicated and stem from the hurt you’ve caused in your own life or the lives of others, the path of regret is a hard one.
Today I have five things I want you to use to help you release the regret you’re holding onto.
- Accept the reality of your regrets.
Mistakes happened. Unfortunately, we can’t rewind the clock. So, stop replaying the past in your mind. Replaying your regret is simply your mind wishing it could go back. You can’t go back. You can only move forward.
- Forgive yourself.
Stop beating yourself up over something you can’t undo. If you could go back, you’d do things differently. That doesn’t negate your regret but it should show you just how much you have grown from the regret, into a better person. Forgiving yourself will set you free from the power regret holds over you.
- Ask for forgiveness.
Apologize without excuse and with sincerity. Do what you reasonably can do. There are those who will demand more of you than what you need to give if they feel the need to make you “pay” for your wrongdoing. Own up to the part you played, ask for forgiveness and make amends within reason.
- Let go of the past.
Release anything that reminds you of the regrettable action. Reliving regrettable actions only perpetuates misery and gives license for the negative to stay alive in your life. Today is too precious to waste on “what ifs” and “if only’s.”
- Take positive action.
Replace regretful thoughts with positive action. When wishing you had done things differently starts to overwhelm you, get proactive. Do something nice for someone. Be kind to everyone you meet. Smile. It is amazing how doing something positive, productive, and constructive will uplift your spirit and leave no room for overwhelming feelings of regret.
It’s time you stop giving regret a space in your heart and control over your thoughts. It has no place in your life!
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