I have been contemplating of the ways I can improve myself that I came to realize the regrets and hurts I have within me. There are moments that I would feel so bitter about certain things or I would simply start to cry as if for no reason. There are days were I feel so low that I would try to blame it on others. There are times that I would simply show anger that I end up hurting those I love. With these realizations in mind, I have learned different ways to forgive myself in order to release any negative emotions bottled up inside me.

1. Accepting the fact that I make mistakes. Learning to accept my flaws and knowing that despite my flaws, I am loved as I am. I realized that my flaws are what makes me who I am and it should not make me less of a person. Accepting my mistakes and failures leads to self-improvement.
2. Having someone I can talk to.Talking to someone definitely helps me feel better. I feel that do not need assurance from others that I am okay. However, it feels good to have someone who sacrifices their time to comfort you; someone who willingly lends an ear; and someone who is there for you no matter what.
3. Knowing what needs to be change about myself. I realized that doing daily reflections at the end of the day helps me see the things that I could have done better and things that I should do to better myself. Being a business student, I learned about the SWOT analysis that I try to apply it in my life. Since I know my strengths, I use them to strengthen my weaknesses and develop them into strengths. I check for opportunities to help better myself and I look out for the threats (e.g. negative thoughts/overthinking) that may hinder my opportunity to help myself to become a better person.
4. Trying to make my mistakes right.Finding ways to make my mistakes right is another way to forgive myself. If I hurt someone, I try to reach out to that person and I apologize. If I am unable to reach a person, showing kindness to someone else definitely makes me feel better. Doing good to others rather than feeling bad is a great way to forgive yourself.
5. Giving myself a break.Giving my mind and my body a break from all the guilt or regret by finding happiness in other things is a helpful process of forgiving myself. Reading a book, writing, walking in the park, praying, or listening to music are some of the things I do when giving myself a break. At times, I would simply stop and think of how grateful I am to be alive and knowing that there are people who loves me and cares for me.

No one is perfect – yes. I make mistakes like anyone else in this world. Forgiving yourself is a learning process. Truly, there are other ways for me to learn how to forgive myself.

Do you have ways or processes of forgiving yourself? Feel free to share them with me!