Everyone has made poor choices or done something in their past that
could possibly be labeled as "regrettable." But, think about it. The
fact that you are now able to look back and realize that a mistake or
mis-step occurred means you have learned a valuable lesson. Some of my
choices may have landed me in unpleasant circumstances, but
experiencing these things certainly built my current character. I
wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for those
character-building situations. Mistakes are stepping stones to an
evolving life. No need for you to sink into regret or despair - keep
your chin up. Always remember about the following:
1. Acknowledge a mistake has been made - It is easy to play the blame
game, pointing fingers at someone else or circumstances as to why you
have stumbled or why your life is difficult. Taking personal ownership
that your past actions resulted in bringing about your current reality
is the first step to moving past regrets and moving toward a brighter
future.
2. Make amends - If your past actions or words have harmed another
person an apology may be in order. Or not, apologies can be tricky.
Judge for yourself if an apology will help matters or only drudge up
old wounds better left alone. But, definitely forgive yourself! Nobody
is perfect. We all make mistakes. Continually berating yourself for
past actions is self-defeating. Would you kick a dog while it was
laying down? Of course not. Please don't do this to yourself. Righting
a wrong is not always feasible. If you feel badly about a past action
you've taken that cannot be righted, forgive yourself, and let it go.

3. Do-overs - Sometimes feelings of regret arise not from our past
actions, but from our non-actions. Have you ever regretted not taking
a vacation, staying stuck in a dead-end job, not attending college...
or whatever? It may be too late to reverse those decisions, but you
still have options. Some colleges offer free classes for seniors. You
might not have the time, money, or physical endurance to travel, but
you can rent movies or attend travelog showings about the regions you
wish to learn more about. New opportunities are available around every
corner if you just open your heart and follow your dreams.
4. Be grateful - The most valuable lessons learned in life often come
from the mistakes we make. It may take a walk down a dark alley to see
clearly. Embrace your follies, feel gratitude for getting past the
worst episodes and eventually finding your way along a less-cluttered
path.
5. Be careful not to repeat the same mistake - A skinned-knee teaches
a small child not to run so fast. Slow-down. If you are repeatedly
faced with similar difficulties over and over again, this is a sure
bet that you have not learned the lessons these situations are trying
to teach. Opportunity will surface only after you take responsibility
for faulty actions taken and change your current and future behaviors
accordingly.
6. Be watchful of future knee-jerk reactions - This is probably the
toughest step, not reacting negatively to situations or the people who
tend to push your buttons. We don't always have control over the
things life tosses in front of us, but we do control our reactions.
Stay calm. Introduce stress-management into your daily life.
Meditation helps clear and focus the mind. Therapeutic play will help
balance work-related stresses.

7. Looking deeper inside - Re-evaluate the direction your life is
taking. Have you accepted that your past mistakes are just that --- in
the past? Focus on today. Become aware of your future goals and
desires. Setting clear intentions will help clear the path so that
your life progresses with a freer heart and increased happiness. The
best is yet to come! Believe it.
So in conclusion I think I have to say:
1. Remember, nobody is perfect. Including yourself!
2. Forgiveness is golden.
3. Live for today. Yesterday was then.