Do you ever find yourself going back to past mistakes and analysing what could have been different? Guilt can become a burden that blocks happiness and self-fulfilment. And yet – you are not your mistakes. You are a person who learns and develops.
In counselling, we often meet people who judge themselves more harshly than others. Meanwhile, mindfulness and self-compassion are important elements of mental health. Forgiving yourself allows you to regain inner peace, break negative beliefs about yourself and transform difficulties into motivation to act.
Instead of saying to yourself, “How could I do that?!”, tell yourself, “I didn’t know then what I know today. It was a lesson.” Changing your inner dialogue is the first step to freeing yourself from self-criticism and finding understanding within yourself.
Practicing mindfulness will help you focus on the here and now. Every breath can be a reminder that you are enough just the way you are.
Use the following forgiveness techniques.
Close your eyes and imagine that you are holding a balloon with guilt in your hand. Slowly release it, letting it float away. Feel the lightness that appears in your body.
Another way is to write a letter to yourself from the past. Write to yourself words of support, understanding and kindness. Read them aloud and feel the tension begin to release.
Forgiving yourself is a process, but every step in this direction is a step towards freedom. You are not your mistakes, you are a person who is developing. Give yourself the right to a second chance, because your value does not depend on past mistakes, but on how you treat yourself here and now.
If you need me to forgive or overcome guilt, you know how to contact me.
Beata