Hi there!
"Don't see mistakes as mistakes. This is a battle with yourself."
How many people have made mistakes and then tried to correct them to achieve self-redemption? We need to change the way we look at ourselves. We're imperfect beings, and we all have different shortcomings. When shortcomings are exposed, don't be ashamed or hide them. Understand and accept yourself.
There was once a painter who put his painting in front of a crowd and asked everyone to point out the flaws. After a while, people came forward to circle and point out the "flaws." The painting had been scribbled over in no time. He discovered some logical threads in this painting.
The next day
He showed the same painting to the public, asking everyone to come forward and point out the good parts. As expected, the painting was the same as yesterday's, and it had been defaced in much the same way, with basically no gaps left.
The story of the painting shows us how people think. How you feel about the painting depends on which perspective you take, not just a limited one.
If the story in the previous paragraph doesn't help the questioner understand how to view the objective perspective of "error," then the experiment in the next paragraph might be a better fit.
Here's an experiment for you.
Take an empty mineral water bottle, screw on the cap tightly, and stomp on it hard to see if it changes shape. Then, unscrew the cap, release the air inside the bottle, and try again to see if it is easy to deform.
It's pretty straightforward. A bottle that's been tightly closed will also release pressure when it's subjected to external force. At this point, it's under greater pressure to withstand the weight of being stepped on, while an air-release bottle is more like a ball without any sharp edges. It'll deflate when stepped on, while releasing its own internal pressure.
Let's say the questioner is more like an Aquarius, who tends to feel pressure from within. When they're troubled by the environment, they tend to squeeze inward to relieve the pressure. But this can lead to internal conflict. If they can't self-soothe negative emotions, they'll feel even more pain.
Most people choose to relieve stress by balancing internal and external pressure. They try to bear it first. When they can't bear the external pressure, they'll release the internal pressure of "self-criticism." Then, they'll balance the internal and external pressure and adjust their self-perception. This way of relieving stress is to understand and recognize oneself through an objective perspective.
So, the problem with getting too caught up in the past is that if you can't learn more from your past experiences, it doesn't help to dwell on them too much. It's not the best way to solve problems.
It's important to understand that past problems had objective causes and specific constraints at the time. We can't judge and criticize our past selves from the perspective of the present. We also can't demand absolute perfection from ourselves, because we're human and we make mistakes. This way of evaluating things isn't objective or correct.
Our experiences help us grow and improve our problem-solving skills. Even if our memories are mixed with "naivety," we don't need to alter them. Instead, we should look at past memories with a growth mindset. We can feel regret for past experiences, but there's no need to be sad because we've gradually transformed from the ignorant self through the accumulation of experiences, becoming more mature.
[Confirm your inner sense of security and build up your self-confidence]
People who are easily drawn to the past have a special attachment to it. Memories can be either positive or negative. People who think the past was good recall it to comfort themselves in the present, while those who regret it recall it in the hope of rewriting it through their own efforts. This is a sign of anxiety, insecurity, and lack of confidence in the present.
The past is just that—the past. It's caused by the objective environment at the time and our current limitations. It's okay to have fleeting memories and nostalgia, but they shouldn't affect your current life. Excessive nostalgia for the past is a sign you're avoiding problems in your current life. Always believing that the past is real and a basis for evaluating yourself is a sign of an internal lack of security.
[Take a moment to reflect on the past and approach it with a sense of rationality.]
Our memories are subjective, and they're influenced by our emotions. So, when we think about the past, our feelings often take over our logical thinking. This is why we can't always satisfy our current selves by thinking about the past. We need to understand that past experiences have objective factors and subjective feelings that are connected. No matter how we change our attitude towards the past, the result will also be affected by other objective factors.
The best way to tackle a problem is to acknowledge the negative feelings from past experiences, summarize the problem, and then come up with a solution. It's also important to consider other objective conditions when applying this in the present to ensure it's done effectively.
[Face up to your true inner needs and be proactive]
I think that dwelling on the past and being negative, critical, and harsh on yourself also has a negative impact. It can lead to a sense of "decadence" and a lack of motivation.
The questioner believes that the best way to solve a problem is to follow a straightforward path and that any unexpected turns are simply a detour. This approach can feel a bit rigid and mechanical. As we grow and evolve, it's essential to challenge our assumptions and embrace a more flexible mindset. This means being open to reversing our thinking when faced with challenges and exploring the core of the problem and our true needs through multidimensional thinking. This allows us to return to reality with a clear perspective and a sense of engagement.
Best of luck!
Comments
I understand how you feel, and it's okay to not be okay. Everyone has moments they regret or wish they could redo. It's part of being human. We all make mistakes, but what defines us is how we grow from them. Try to be kinder to yourself; you're not defined by your past.
It sounds really tough, holding onto those feelings of regret and selfcriticism. Maybe it's time to start forgiving yourself for being imperfect. We all have our flaws, and that's what makes us unique. Perhaps talking to someone about these feelings can help ease the burden and find a way forward.
Feeling this way must be incredibly hard. It's important to remember that you're not alone in these thoughts. Many people struggle with similar feelings. Consider seeking support from friends, family, or a professional who can offer guidance. Letting go of the past doesn't mean forgetting it, but learning to live in the present despite it.