So…you made a mistake! Haven’t we all? You feel your actions have negatively impacted your life and all who share it with you. People you love dearly, the ones who have supported you through hard times. Do you find it tough to let go of the guilt and shame associated with this mistake? How long will you continue to torture yourself? You’re not a bad person, you just made a bad choice.
Do you realize those adverse thoughts and feelings that you associate with the mistake you made in the past will create more problems for you in the future? The ongoing stress that stems from guilt and shame will have an impact on your quality of life. Your self-esteem and relationships will also be affected. You need to STOP the self-sabotage immediately! Overcoming regret can be a difficult process. However, with acceptance, commitment and hope, you will gain the insight needed to move on with your life in a positive way.
First, start by admitting your mistake and accept that we are all human and will make bad decisions in life. Having regret indicates that you truly do care! Prolonging the guilt and shame that comes with regret can have negative side effects in all areas of your life.
You will never benefit from self-punishment, so why waste your energy? Do something productive! Consider what you really want and deserve. Focus on being happy, loving others, what you want to achieve, who you want to be, what you have learned and how you will change from this. You can’t go back in time. Move forward. Eliminate negative self-talk. Challenge those disabling internal thoughts of yourself with positive statements of encouragement and gratitude. You will be empowered to strive harder in the future. For more information on overcoming regret, guilt or shame, contact TCP Marriage & Family Services at (210) 516-2607 or visit our website at: www.tcpmfs.org.