We all make mistakes. We all have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes. You are not your struggles and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future. ~ Steve Maraboli
We have all experienced that sinking sensation when we realize that we have made a mistake in judgment and have either caused ourselves or others’ pain and harm as a result. Often such realization is accompanied by feelings of regret, shame, embarrassment or self-criticism and the crippling belief that there is no way back from what we did.
The good news? There is always a way back if we allow ourselves to address the mistake from an emotionally intelligent perspective.
This is especially true of the fear-filled and unpredictable times in which we all have been immersed over the past year and a half. In this pandemic world, we have had to face the scary and lethal aspects of living that have changed our ability to think as clearly and precisely as we might in a more carefree environment. It seems living with daily fear will do that to you!
The article below sets out five-steps that can help you navigate through the depths of regret and assist you to let go whilst embracing a healed and wiser more expanded you.
In a nutshell, here are the five steps:
- Accept reality and your emotions – label and define what you did and how you feel
- Practice self-compassion – turn off the guilt and self-blame
- Make amends when possible – take responsibility and corrective action where possible
- Expand your thinking – identify the faulty thinking to include context and perspective
- Learn from your regrets- become aware of future opportunities to do things differently
Enjoy the read and remember that a softened heart towards yourself will deliver the same towards others.
Heal your regrets and be well!
Breathe,
John
