How to move past regret
In life, we may encounter situations that leave us feeling regretful. Despite the popular saying "live life without regrets," it's normal for us to have moments when we wish we had acted differently or made better choices. Regret can weigh heavily on our minds and hinder our personal growth. However, it is possible to move past regret and find comfort within ourselves. Here are some tips:
Allow yourself to feel
Recognizing and allowing ourselves to feel the entire spectrum of emotions associated with regret is a key first step in getting past it. We should provide a safe space to handle these emotions rather than attempting to escape or downplay them.
I generally prefer to set aside some time for this step to write in my journal freely, letting my feelings and thoughts pour onto the pages. Because it allows me to think about the circumstances and because it aids in providing me with clarity and a sense of release, it effectively kills three birds with one stone.
Make amends
Making amends is something to think about doing if our regrets impacted someone else. Relationships may be repaired and unresolved conflicts can be resolved by apologising and taking responsibility for our actions.
You can reach out to the individual you may have harmed or affected negatively and express your sincere remorse. Though the outcome may not always be in your control, making amends shows your willingness to rectify past mistakes and move forward.
Be kind to yourself
When we have regrets, we are frequently very hard on ourselves. Regret frequently follows self-criticism and self-blame. However, It is important to keep in mind that we are all human – we have flaws and are prone to making mistakes. We have the option to exercise self-compassion and forgiveness rather than being harsh on ourselves.
You should be kind and understanding to yourself in the same way that you would be to a close friend going through a similar circumstance. It is also beneficial to keep in mind that criticising oneself hinders rather than helps growth and learning.
Seek help professionally
If you believe that everything you are going through is really difficult and nobody can truly comprehend your predicament, it can be beneficial to seek professional help if necessary to move past regret. With the aid of a trained professional, you may have the opportunity to look into underlying problems, process your emotions, and develop coping strategies. They may also provide you with an unbiased perspective and a safe space in which you are able to express your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to go forward with a new sense of purpose.
In conclusion, although regret is a normal aspect of the human experience, it doesn't have to define us. We may get over regret and embrace personal growth by allowing ourselves to feel, making amends when required, being kind to ourselves, and seeking help when we need it. Remember that every moment—even the ones we regret—plays a part in our journey of resilience and self-discovery. Let go of the past, accept the present, and look forward to a future that is full of opportunities for growth and lessons learned.
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References:
How to deal with regret: https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-deal-with-regret-to-make-it-bearable-even-inspiring
How to Get Over Regrets and Move Forward:
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-get-over-regrets-5220430