Regret NOTHING!

We all carry a piece of our past within us, a version of ourselves that we sometimes struggle to accept. Perhaps it’s the younger, more naïve self who made decisions out of fear or inexperience. Or maybe it’s the version of you from last year, who fell short of your own expectations. That person may seem distant now, but they’re not a stranger—they’re part of you.

It’s easy to judge our past selves harshly. We might replay old mistakes in our minds, cringing at the choices we made or the words we spoke. We might even feel anger or shame toward the person we once were, wishing we could go back in time and rewrite the narrative. But the truth is, every step—every stumble—was necessary for your growth. Without that version of you, you wouldn’t have the wisdom, resilience, or self-awareness you carry today.

Growth is a journey, not a straight line. The path is messy and full of twists, and that’s okay. The version of you that you might least admire played a pivotal role in bringing you here. They were the one who faced the challenges, who learned the hard lessons, and who laid the groundwork for the person you’re becoming.

Instead of casting judgment, extend compassion. Imagine yourself meeting that version of you—what would you say? Would you berate them for what they didn’t know, or would you thank them for doing the best they could with what they had? Chances are, you’d feel gratitude. That past version of you showed up, even when life felt overwhelming. They did the work that allowed you to stand where you are today.

It’s also important to remember that you’re still evolving. Life is a constant process of becoming. Competing with yourself, striving for your own version of greatness, and working to bring more goodness into the world—that’s what matters. Your journey isn’t defined by perfection; it’s defined by progress.

So let go of the judgment. Release the grip of self-criticism. Your past self isn’t something to be ashamed of—they’re a part of your story, a chapter in the book of your life. Honor their role in shaping you. Move forward with the knowledge that as long as you keep growing, keep striving, and keep making the world a better place in your own way, you’re moving in the right direction.

Your future self will thank you. And your past self? They’re proud of how far you’ve come.