Forgive Yourself: You’ve Always Done the Best You Could

We often hold ourselves to impossible standards, replaying past choices and wondering if we should have done things differently. We carry guilt, regret, and self-blame, convinced that we should have known better, acted faster, or chosen another path. But the truth is, at every moment in your life, you made decisions based on what you knew, how you felt, and what you were capable of at that time. You have always done the best you could with what you had.

Why Self-Forgiveness Is Essential

Forgiving yourself isn’t about excusing mistakes or pretending they never happened. It’s about acknowledging your humanity, recognising that growth comes through learning, and allowing yourself the grace to move forward. When we refuse to forgive ourselves, we stay trapped in the past, carrying burdens that weigh down our spirit and prevent us from fully embracing the present.

Here’s why self-forgiveness matters:

💜 It frees you from unnecessary suffering – Holding onto guilt and self-blame keeps you stuck in a cycle of pain. Letting go allows you to heal and move forward.

💜 It fosters self-compassion – You wouldn’t judge a friend as harshly as you judge yourself. Why not extend that same kindness inward?

💜 It opens the door to growth – Every experience, even the difficult ones, teaches us something. When we forgive ourselves, we can reflect, learn, and grow without shame.

💜 It allows for emotional and physical well-being – Studies show that self-forgiveness reduces stress, anxiety, and even physical ailments linked to prolonged emotional distress.

How to Start Forgiving Yourself

If you’ve been struggling with self-forgiveness, here are some gentle steps to help you on your journey:

🌿 Recognise that you are human. No one is perfect. We all make choices that, in hindsight, we might change. But every choice you made came from a place of doing the best you could in that moment.

🌿 Acknowledge and process your feelings. Instead of suppressing guilt or regret, allow yourself to feel them. Journaling, meditation, or talking with a trusted friend can help you process these emotions in a healthy way.

🌿 Reframe your past choices with compassion. Instead of thinking, I should have known better, try I did what I could with the knowledge and awareness I had at the time. This shift in perspective can bring a sense of relief and understanding.

🌿 Make amends if needed, then let go. If your actions affected someone else, a heartfelt apology (to them or even just to yourself) can bring closure. But after that, release the burden—carrying guilt forever does not serve anyone.

🌿 Practice self-love and kindness. Treat yourself the way you would treat a dear friend. Speak to yourself with encouragement, practice mindfulness, and engage in activities that nurture your well-being.

You Are Worthy of Forgiveness

You are not your mistakes. You are not your regrets. You are a constantly evolving human being, learning and growing with every experience. True healing begins when you offer yourself the same forgiveness, grace, and love that you so readily give to others.

So take a deep breath. Let go. Step forward into the lightness of self-acceptance. 💜

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