One of the common feelings that all of us share is that of regret. We feel regret when we say somethings in the heat of the moment or do something wrong under the influence of emotions. We do things without even thinking. But later we realize what we have done, we may have hurt the other person, we may have damaged the relationship, we may have damaged ourselves. Going through a regret is not easy. You carry an uncomfortable mixture of feelings for days, sometimes months. You are sad. You are angry at yourself. You feel responsible for all the damages. You feel alone because others too are pointing at you. You feel guilt. Sometimes you want to go back into the time and do the correct thing but that’s not possible. But it is possible to do the correct thing now. Here are certain things to keep in mind before we go through the process
- REGRETS ARE GOOD THINGS. Even though regrets are quite uncomfortable they provide an opportunity for you to understand yourself better. For instance you lost your temper and shouted at your kid for an insignificant mistake. You feel bad because it was wrong. But you feel regret when it was wrong according to you. Now you have understood deep down your conscious does not approve of this behaviour. You are more aware of yourself now. Regrets thus bring you closer to you.
- THEY PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR SELF DEVELOPMENT. Regrets make you more determined to not repeat the mistake. Once you are aware of certain behaviour of yourself which is not approved by your conscience, you feel the drive to change the behaviour. In that process you are bound to become a better person.
But what to do when you are going through the turbulent, uncomfortable, painful feeling? Here are some steps, if followed diligently, will help you overcome your regrets. I guarantee !!
- FORGIVE YOURSELF. The most important thing is to forgive yourself first. Its okay that you made a mistake. You are best because you accepted the mistake and you are ready to work on it. You may be surrounded by people who are pointing at you at all times, reminding you of your mistake through their gestures, through their words but you have to remain gentle towards yourself. Keep reminding yourself that its okay to make a mistake.
- FACE THE REGRET. You may be inclined to find an escape route. You may want to indulge yourself in alcohol, drugs, movies, work etc so that you do not have to remember the regret. It may give you short term relief but sooner you will have even bigger pile of regrets. You will always have the negative feeling inside you which may impact your health badly. Always face the feeling.
- TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. Take full responsibility of your mistake without any excuse. You must say sorry. You cannot put blame for your behaviour on somebody else’s words/actions, circumstances, weather, fight with your boss, spouse whatever. It was your act and you are responsible for your actions.
- WRITE DOWN YOUR FEELINGS. You may be going through various feelings. Pen them down. Pen down the specific reasons for those feelings. Pen down your thoughts too.
- KEEP A WATCH ON YOUR THOUGHTS. Its easy to accept hopelessness, sadness. Make sure you do not think bad about yourself or other person. Become aware of your thoughts. If you have sad thoughts, replace them with good thoughts. Think about the things that you are grateful for. Think about the ways in which you can improve yourself. Read books which will help you in your development. Pat yourself on your progress.
- STEPS FOR IMPROVING YOURSELF. Once you are aware of the areas which needs to be worked, chart a plan to improve those areas. Write down steps which you will follow to improve yourself. Read the list everyday so that you wire your mind to behave in different way now.
Regrets are integral part of living. You will go through regrets a lot more times than you would like. But they are necessary for your development. Do not forget to be gentle towards yourself and towards others. In the end you will become a better person.
With lots of love, supergirl.d.

