As mere humans in this world, there are times when we commit crucial failures and mistakes in our lives. In these experiences, we get to face the brutal truth - we're not perfect. True enough that the universe will always surprise us of how imperfect we are no matter the circumstances may be. And so, there will be times when our world will seem to cave in, drowning us in the endless spiral of sadness and regrets.

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I have been in this awkward spot as well. Sometimes I get lost in the thoughts of "what if"s and the "what could have been"s. I have spent countless of times being a slave in the past. Thinking and contemplating over failed relationships, lost opportunities, wasted efforts, insecurities, minor to major mistakes, and more. The list could go on for as long this post could contain. I ended up being chained by self-deprecating thoughts due to numerous piles of errors I've committed.

There were times when I would wonder if I ever make it out and if I could ever forgive myself. For each wrongs seemed to be so overwhelming, they numb me to my core. And I know I can't change the past but I let my feelings eat me up. It was difficult. It was an infinite-loop of heartbreaks. Those were the dark times. 

But somehow, as I am writing this for you, I realized that I have picked myself up from those episodes of my life. It can be so hard and punishing but with the help of time, those moments of despair will teach us the greatest lessons. Those will mold us into what we are meant to become. The intense experiences we had will be our defining moments.

So for you, who are  going through something incomprehensible at this point, do know that you'll get through it. I am very happy for you being here. I know that you are stronger and braver than you seem. You'll get over whatever life throws at you. And I do not wish anyone to go through any suffering like regrets and depression.

It's true that whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Your scars will soon remind you of what has been. But there will be a certain point of your lifetime when you'll get spiritually awakened, making you perceive a new perspective on life. As human beings we are meant to experience life anyway.

## 1. Acknowledge the pain you're going through
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Let yourself feel. Cry it all out if you have to. Know that the only way is through. Don't avoid conflicts and discomfort for you will need them to realize that what you're going through is real. These mistakes will teach you to be more understanding, more mature, and most importantly they will help you grow.
Also, know the reason behind your pain. This new outlook on your faults will lead you to new directions which will make you identify the rights and wrongs of the situation and within yourself. Let that be the torch to self forgiveness.

## 2. Set goals, don't look back
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<center><i>[Image Source](http://ibmarfblog.com.ng/advantage-of-setting-profitable-investmenet-goals/)</i></center>
Having learned from past mistakes, we must cast ourselves to doing positive activities. We may want to modify what has happened, but wanting to change the past is a gateway to another suffering. Instead, let the guidance from the past be our benefit. We must express ourselves in different ways, not to distract ourselves, but as a path to achieve something that we will be grateful for. May it be writing, exercising, working, just do what you think is rewarding.
Don't let yourself be enslaved by guilt or revenge but rather, live in the moment with the knowledge that you are moving forward and doing something that is not driven by past mistakes.

## 3. Appreciate everything and everyone around you, value the present
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You are here. You are alive. You woke up to this modern world which is waiting for you to make a move. Appreciate everything and everyone while you still can. Spend more time with your family, friends and loved ones. Be in touch with the world around you and its current events. Be mindful, be present. Because every second is precious. What exactly do you value in your life? Recognize the valuable lessons you've learned and prioritize on what's important in your life. In this way, you are honest with yourself, to everyone around you, and to the world.

## 4. Commit to the life that makes you feel alive
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Remember to keep moving forward. If you keep making same mistake again and again, it's clear that there's something that you need to change in your behavior. Instead of being neutral or moving in reverse, commit yourself to everything that makes you happy and whole. Teaching ourselves to be disciplined and responsible enough could make us more confident in going through life. This positive approach will further resonate to our future as we go on.

## 5. Let go and love yourself
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<center><i>[Image Source](http://thelotusmama.com/11-books-celebrate-beauty-self-love/)</i></center>
Let the universe guide you and learn to accept things as the way they are. Stop beating yourself up. Offer your past mistakes to the universe, time, or the Higher Being. Surrender and fully let it go.
And most importantly, know that the greatest love of all is self love. Learning to forgive ourselves may be hard, however it's the most rewarding feeling of all. Appreciate everything that's happening. Be one with what was, what is, and what will be. We live in this ever-changing world, but what will always remain is the love for ourselves.

Believer that there’s a grand design to everything. To my fellow humans, all might be blurry right now, but everything will be okay. Soon, everything will fall into place.

Spread love.