inspi-writes

Ways to Deal with Guilt and Regret from the Past

inspinews January 29, 2025

Every single human on the planet is going to live a journey of first experiences firsthand. Be it failures and successes, positive or negative emotions, happiness or sadness—each of these things is going to hit everyone personally.

Although we might wish that most of our loved ones never go through difficult times, the truth is that everybody has to experience their own journey. Just like a plant goes through all the seasons regardless of how many other plants have been born and died on this planet, we humans must go through our cycles individually, irrespective of how many others have come and gone.

A man feeling regret and guilt-Ways to Let Go of Guilt and Regret from the Past

So, when this is the case, regret and guilt are also feelings we will all experience for things we have done but may not like when we look back—probably because of the consequences of the choices we made.

No matter how much we want to showcase that we never regret the choices we make or that we never feel guilty about the things we do, it is human nature to experience these feelings irrespective of our claims.

None of us want it, but all of us will experience it. Once we accept this, we will be ready to understand how to engage with this emotion within us and not let it overpower us for a lifetime.

First of all, we must accept that a few things will go wrong because, at the time they happen, they will seem right to us. Every single event in life involves several aspects, and we will never get all of them right in everything we do. Ensuring that no one is hurt, avoiding selfishness, refraining from injustice toward others, handling every situation as fairly and balanced as possible for the common good, making sure our actions do not negatively impact lives, not placing our own sense of righteousness above others, practicing kindness and politeness, avoiding unnecessary cruelty, and upholding several other such principles—these are the aspects that define true integrity and consideration for others.

Once we understand that making mistakes is inevitable and that accepting human nature is necessary, we will be able to view our actions and choices with a bit more liberality than we otherwise would. Practicing the act of forgiving oneself is the greatest kindness one can show oneself. However, being indifferent is not the same as self-forgiveness—there is a difference. Self-forgiveness is an art acquired through a lot of practice, one that allows us to uphold our principles while also making room for exceptions.

A woman feeling regret and guilt-Ways to Let Go of Guilt and Regret from the Past

To deal with life in this way, one can regularly reflect and introspect on the actions and choices that lead to guilt, remorse, and regret over time. By capturing the right lessons and embedding them into the fabric of life’s wisdom, one can allow themselves to be forgiven.

Sometimes, sharing it with confidants who are wise can also help in receiving the right advice and words of wisdom, which alleviate the pain within and serve as a relief from guilt and regret in the long run.

If the source of regret and guilt is your action and its consequences that led to a loss for another person, it is best to meet and communicate your heart out with them, seeking forgiveness. Regardless of whether the other person is able to provide closure or forgiveness, simply making the effort will still relieve you of the pain, knowing that you have done your part.

In certain special cases, acts of kindness, charity, and good deeds for the common good—along with engaging in spiritual practices, investing time in religious rituals, and spending time in divine and natural places—can also bring some relief.

If you have practiced one or more of these and experienced the relief they bring, you should reflect on this and incorporate them into your life as regular practices.