7 Reasons For Regrets: 7 Ways To Avoid Living With Them
Try this at home, yes try it. Take a tube of toothpaste, remove the cover, set it on the floor, and now step on it!
AHA! Now try putting it back in
Every single day we make decisions, some are insignificant and some are very significant. Some decisions are life changing, while others are just part of our daily routine. But every now and then we are faced with a decision that makes a great impact in our life. This may be a decision that may cause us to question our own sanity. The negative after-effects of some of these decisions are called regrets.
Most of us live with many minor regrets and dont think much of them, but sometimes we try to live with a major regret, and the emotional turmoil it causes may seem overwhelming. The negative effect of a major regret hinders us from living a healthy fulfilling life.
Here are seven possible reasons for those regrets:
1) We didnt process the whole situation through
2) We didnt weigh the pros and cons
3) We didnt seek advice or counsel
4) We expected different results
5) We thought it was in everyones best interest
6) We were pressured into that decision
7) We thought we were helping
But after all is said and done, we each have to live with the end result. Following are seven ways that can help alleviate that regretful feeling so you may move on with your life with less stress. And believe me, I speak from experience.
1) Forgive yourself: I know its easier said than done, but you must realize that as humans we all make mistakes and it is part of life. What is done is done, and what is said is said, meaning that you cannot change the past. Its very important not to dwell on those mistakes, but rather to learn from them. Did you know that experts became masters by using this one important tip? So forgive yourself, learn, and move on.
2) Realize that your emotions are transient: Thankfully as humans, we are endowed with this awesome gift of crying. Go ahead; cry out the pain because life happens! There are happy times, there are sad times, and they all come and go. Some stay longer while some are short lived. Whatever emotion you are feeling right now, will pass in moments. Its natural to prefer the pleasant emotions, however, realize that if it werent for the uncomfortable emotions you couldnt appreciate the pleasant ones.
3) Confide in someone: The human need to have someone to talk to is very natural, its the sense of belonging and knowing that we do not suffer alone. Youd be amazed at what others will share with you when you open up with your utmost regrets. The benefit of this act opens up the door to a bonding relationship.
4) Mend fences wherever possible: Attempt to relay an apology to those who were hurt the most. If this can be done in person all the better, if not, then a note, card, or letter will suffice. Take the responsibility for the effort and let the outcome be theirs.
5) Never burn bridges behind you: Be receptive and understanding if someone wants to open up the conversation again. This could open up new avenues for better relationships and/or respectfully listen as others may have the need to vent.
6) Avoid re-living the results of that decision: Doing this only reinforces the pessimistic power of regret. All humans have some inclination towards pessimistic thinking, so watch out! Pessimism loves to feed on regret.
7) Dont play the couldve, shouldve, and wouldve game: This is done by telling yourself, I couldve done this or that or I wouldve said These statements change nothing, they only add to your stressful thinking.
Youre not expected to take all these steps at once; however, even just a start at one would be enough to start feeling a sense of relief. The sense of relief you will gain from taking these steps will amaze you, it surely did me.
Most important, remember that tube of toothpaste in the beginning? Well, thats what life is all about. We cannot un-happen what has happened, no matter how much we cry, regret, yell, or scream. Whats done is done and we move on to better things.
Krystalina Soash is a freelance writer and writes articles about living a fulfilling life. Her writing services include article writing, proofreading, editing, and ghostwriting. You may visit her at http://writingforyounow.com
