The word “regret” often falls on deaf ears.  You may be someone who rationalizes everything you have experienced in your life, and you may say it was well worth it; or you may be someone who can admit that you already paid too high a price for lessons you may not have yet learned.

As you look back on your life, here are a few possible areas of regret:

Letting opportunities get away because of the needs of someone else.
Being sexually promiscuous.
Getting into a long-term relationship with the wrong person for you.
Letting your health go.
Taking a job to please someone else.
Condemning people for things that you do or have done yourself.
And more….

Forgiveness is releasing burdensome thoughts-hate, anger, revenge, hurt-towards someone whom you feel has harmed you or others intentionally or unintentionally.  Part of the process of forgiveness is grieving, not minimizing what happened.

Forgiveness is part of your own healing process.  Honor this process and don’t let anyone rush you on until you’re ready.  Although you may think forgiveness is for the benefit of others, it’s really for you.

Probably the greatest task in life, and one of your greatest opportunities, is to look in the mirror and accept yourself for who you are right now.  Once you heal your own hurts and regrets, the more compassion you will have for others.

Write down regrets you have to work through, compromises you need to make, and people you want to forgive.  It especially helps if you are not judgmental, critical or blame yourself or others when completing this part of the exercise. How does that feel?