By Jennifer McDougall
Even though most of us know that holding on to regret is not healthy, many of us still do it. Regret drags us down for as long as we decide to drag it along throughout our lives. Knowing how to let go can be difficult so here are seven ways you can begin letting go of regret today.
1. Forgive yourself
It is important to forgive yourself in every situation that you feel the weight of guilt and regret. Forgiveness is mentioned first because not only is it the most important thing to do in order to achieve a peaceful mindset, it can also be the most difficult. We tend to be our own worst critic, and are too often very hard on ourselves. We must learn to forgive ourselves and then forgive others. This process allows us to look at our past mistakes, see where we went wrong, learn from it, set it free and move on with peace in our hearts.
2. Look for the positive.
Regret is a negative thing so it is important to reflect on the experience or situation and find one or two things that it taught you. Looking for the positive will help you feel better about what happened, allowing you to let go of every negative aspect of it.
3. Trust your journey completely.
Know that everything that happens to you happens because it was meant to be that way. The universe makes no mistakes. So do not doubt yourself, or your journey. Every experience is for our benefit.
4. Breathe.
Take a moment to be still. Close your eyes, or just slowly look around at the beauty that surrounds you. Do not think about anything for a minute. Just be still, and let your mind and your body be calm. Having regret causes us to feel uneasy, and uncomfortable. By taking a moment to breathe will help calm down your thought process, and lower your heart rate.
5. Practice patience.
Try to be patient as you let go of regret and all the emotions that come along with it such as, guilt, frustration, disappointment, anxiety, and anger.
6. Stop thinking “What if…”
When you think about all the things you could have done differently you lose focus on what actually happened, which sidetracks you from seeing the situation completely and seeing how it was the best possible thing to happen. When you think about “What if…” you are carrying out that regret you’re feeling and letting negativity consume you.
7. Sweat it out.
Exercise has many positive effects on the mind and body. If you are sitting there just thinking “Ugh, I don’t know what to do”, get outside, and go for a run, or go to the gym and workout. Physical activity is very therapeutic and can help you let go of those negative emotions you are holding on to.
Image via Pixabay
