Regret at the “lost opportunity” is something I have felt more often than I care to remember. That two letter word “if” that I try so hard to keep out of my vocabulary causes havoc with my emotions if I dwell on it too long.
“Many of us crucify ourselves between two thieves
– regret for the past and fear of the future.”
~Fulton Oursler~
We all make mistakes, but it is harder to forgive yourself than forgiving others. If someone else did something to you, it is easier to let go of the anger basically because they are not with you every second of every day. However, you are in your head and the scenarios that run through your mind are constant thus making it harder to put past mistakes where they belong…in the past.
According to Stanford University, your heart and mental health may depend on your ability to reduce hurt, resentment and anger. These feelings not only interfere with life, but can worsen diseases, such as cancer, heart disease and various autoimmune disorders. When the constant negative, condemning voice in our head begins to interfere with life, it is time to forgive yourself. Continuing to hate yourself for being human is detrimental to mind, body and soul. People hang on to these feelings because they believe it prevents them from being hurt again and the agonizing pain felt is supposed to be the punishment for the mistake.
Generally, people believe that they need to be perfect. We can’t be perfect! When we have hurt someone else, intentional or not, in order to be forgiven by them and ourselves, we must make amends. Just saying “I’m sorry” isn’t enough. It involves a willingness to listen to another person’s pain and willingness to take immediate corrective action. This process helps to release the feelings of guilt, shame and remorse. We do not forget the action, but it doesn’t control our thoughts and torment our days. Let it go away like the food on the dishes when they are being washed or the bits of broken information when the computer is defragmented.
Nothing takes the place of forgiving yourself. This act of forgiving returns your power and gives back precious moments of your life that would be otherwise spent lamenting over the past. It is over…done…let it go.
Today is a new day.
Love yourself!
Thoughts are things!
And that which you think about, good or bad –
you create into your own reality.”
~Author Unknown~
“When you arise in the morning,
think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive –
to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”
~Marcus Aurelius~
“Today, many will break through
the barriers of the past by
looking at the blessings of the present.
Why not you?”
~Steve Maraboli~
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That was really good and very timely for me. Thank you!
I get caught up on "if" but when those thoughts swirl I have to focus on moving forward. Forgiving yourself is the hardest thing at least for me.
another great post…
Great post, thank you!
What a wonderful post. It is so true you should take things as you can. I try and am better at taking things day by day. I treat others the way I want to be treated. I am a kind person and I hope others see that.
I am one that things happen for a reason and even thougth I don't like some outcomes I remeber myself of the Divine Order that no matter what makes everything come together at the end, and when we see this come we laugh at ourselves.
WEEKEND BLOGGY LOVE FOR YOU! HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!
Very wise words especially the regret for the past and fear of the future part. My how these things can hold you back.