How do you go about living with regrets?
32 Answers
Moderated by Sarah Robb, LICDC (Licenced Chemical Dependency Counselor)
Updated: Nov 9, 2021
Hannaui
on
Aug 16, 2016
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There is one simple way to live with regrets: Do not treat them as regrets. Instead, acknowledge that these 'regrets' are mistakes you've learned from and is a reminder for how it is okay to be human. It is okay to make these mistakes. You're one true duty is to look at these mistakes and take note on how to improve and grow positively from them.
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Anonymous
on
Jun 11, 2015
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Personally, I try to be mindful that the past is truly in the past, and that the best thing I can do is to be be mindful of moving forward, and to treat myself with the same compassion, love, and care I would a very dear loved one.
Anonymous
on
Sep 4, 2017
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You don't live with them. You live with the knowledge of them - knowing and understanding that having regrets is a part of the past that made you who you are today. This is coming from someone who has made tons and tons of mistakes and held a lifetime of regrets even though I'm not even halfway done with life yet. When I look back I still feel ashamed at the things that I have done. - and I use this feeling to fuel a promise to myself that I will never make the same mistakes again. Honestly, your regrets don't matter if you are determined to be a better version of yourself right now. We win some and we lose some. Of the 100% of opportunities that come our way - we are bound to miss at least 50% of them. Another way of coming to terms with it, is to think to yourself - alright, I did failed miserably at that in my past life - and now I owe it to myself to do better. We are a work in progress, please remember that! So when you're struggling to live with regrets, don't let them hold you back because then, instead of being a learning experience, your past mistakes can hinder your present. When you're reminiscing about the past, always remember to forgive and be extra kind to yourself. I believe in you :)
LatteJoy
on
May 21, 2015
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That's the thing about regrets. We cannot really live with them. It's very difficult holding on to the past and trying to live in this present. What we should try to work on is letting go of the mistakes made in the past. It has all passed and there is no way that time can be reversed. So all we can do is accept our faults, our life as it is. And then if you can work on fixing things, go ahead. It's very difficult to live with regrets. I know what it's like.
So just breathe and slowly gather your life back again. That's the best you can do. :) Take care. xo
starryRiver83
on
Mar 14, 2015
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You don't. You find a way to forgive yourself for the things that have happened. The past is the past.. it cannot be changed, but it shouldn't cloud your present or future.
Anonymous
on
Jul 14, 2015
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In my experience learning to live with regrets is about accepting these regrets. Think of them as part of you. They are part of who you are and how you are. Accept them for what they are.
niamh333
on
May 16, 2016
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The thing about regrets is that there is nothing you can do about them now. I think the key to successfully 'living' with regrets (as pleasantly as possible) is to make peace with them. To recognize that you can't change the past, what's happened has happened, and to make the best decisions going forward with your life.
Dannus
on
Apr 25, 2015
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There are many regrets to bare, some that cut deeper than others; but each action we have taken, good or bad, has led to who we are today, and that should be encouraging. Whether your regrets affect others or yourself personally, there are always ways to address these, whether the person you know is living or lives no longer, or whether you can forgive yourself or not, there are always things that you can do to bring about a change, no matter how little or small!
Dovah
on
May 27, 2015
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Acceptance. Forgiveness. These two things are key for dealing with regrets, accept the situation, and don't carry your guilt, or take it out on yourself, learn to forgive yourself. Learn from the experience, learn to forgive yourself.
Moodypoet313
on
Nov 3, 2015
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First I accept the situation, then I try my best to learn all the lessons possible so that I can implement my knowledge into any future endeavors that may be similar in nature, in order to maybe have a more favorable outcome. Sounds easy but it is a process that I continually struggle with, but I remain positive.
yano1kr
on
Nov 30, 2015
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regrets are connected with the past.try to make yourself a good future doing what you like in the present
Anonymous
on
Dec 1, 2015
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Hi,
My way has been to analyze myself and think about the benefits of my regrets. While at first it seems impossible to come up with anything positive about the things I regret, with time I have discovered that they have steered me in a direction that has been somehow positive, e.g. Allowed me to meet new people, look for a new job, change something in my life, etc
Anonymous
on
Jul 4, 2016
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I recommend you read this page and also watch the video, which helped me a lot when I first watched:
http://live.abugfreemind.co/living-without-regret/
Serifeee
on
Jul 18, 2016
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regrets also is needed for life. We must be strong against all things in life as well as positive things. And regrets are including this.
Anonymous
on
Aug 1, 2016
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I always have regrets but once you relize there is a limit to how much you regret things will get better
Anonymous
on
Dec 13, 2016
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Regrets can both shape us and destroy us. As human beings, life is full of decisions, some made by ourselves and others that are out of our control. I have made many wrong decisions in life but I have learnt from them and it has opened new doors that would have otherwise remained closed. Do not have a regret that you tried something and didn't achieve what you wanted. Think about what you obtained from trying. Learn from your mistakes and try to move past the obstacle.
Anonymous
on
Feb 20, 2017
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I personally prefer to not think of them as regrets. Referring to them as learning opportunities really helps shift the internal narrative from something negative to something constructive. It makes it much easier to say 'I can do better next time.'
RosesForever
on
Apr 16, 2018
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Do everything you want to do. Be true to yourself. Don't think about what other people say about you. Make sure only your opinion matters to you.
Oreo
on
Jul 20, 2015
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Learn from your mistakes, but remain aware that every decision you make has consequences, and that you must be willing to live with them when you make that decision.
Ewurabena25
on
Sep 14, 2015
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I try to look at everything that happens to me that i'd usually think of regretfully, as a lesson. Something to grow from and not repeat. That's how I move forward