We’ve all done things that we aren’t so proud of. We’ve made choices prior to this present moment that have us in the position that we’re in now; whether it be good or bad. As human beings, that automatically deems us as “imperfect.” It’s in our nature to make mistakes and believe it or not- that’s actually O.K. The problem comes in when you stay stuck on that mistake that you’ve made. It also keeps you stuck in that bad situation, preventing any growth.
How do you know that you’re stuck? Here are a few ways to tell:
1. You’re unhappy.
You know what it’s like to be truly happy. There was a time in your life when you didn’t have to think about smiling. You felt good about yourself and the people in your life. Your head was clear of the negative chatter that presently goes leading to…..
2. What you’ve done is ALWAYS on your mind.
Now, it seems as if you’re even harder on yourself than you ever were before. You criticize yourself for every single thing that you do or even think. You play in your head over and over again what you should’ve done, how you should’ve reacted or what you shouldn’t have said.
3. You want things to change.
A lot of people feel like just because they want things to change, things will actually change. Truth is, wanting it is not enough. This is the most difficult for some to accept. You must actively make choices and act towards that change you desire!
It is very possible to change each of those, but it begins with your mindset. It begins with forgiving yourself for doing what you’ve done. Understand that it is your innate nature to do the very best thing for yourself. You wouldn’t intentionally do anything to hurt yourself or those you love. You did the very best you could do at that time, with the knowledge and resources that you had. Give yourself credit! This does take time, but it can be done!
Next, practice living in this present moment. The present is what is happening right here, right now. Living during the time of your bad decision is holding you back from getting to the part in your life where things actually change and get better. That is the ultimate goal! This is something that you must work at and implement daily.
Forgiveness and living in the present moment, in my opinion, are the two most critical actions in moving forward in life. Something that I always say to my clients is “Release the mistakes of your past. What you do moving forward is all that matters!” And life is doing that just that – moving forward!