Hindsight is a trap with greasy walls.
I wrote that line years ago, and it has stayed with me because it keeps being true.
Let me explain.
When you look back at a decision, you see it with complete clarity. You see what you should have said, the offer you should have taken, the person you should have walked away from sooner. And because it all looks so obvious now, you judge yourself for not seeing it then.
But you cannot climb back up to the moment you were in.
The walls are greasy.
Every time you try, you slide straight back down to now, holding nothing but the regret.
Consider this.
At the time, you made what you thought was the best decision for the best outcome you could see. Even when you went against your gut, part of you hoped it would turn out better than the warning said. That was you doing your best with the view you had.
The clarity you have now was never available then.
So acceptance is your key to be free.
Accept that you thought you were making the best choice. Accept that you did your best, and take the lesson.
Loving yourself and forgiving yourself is the path forward.
Living in the past keeps you there.
Now flip it around.
The moment you are in right now is one you cannot see clearly either. One day you will look back on today with the same sharp eyes.
So instead of asking what you would tell your younger self, ask what future you would tell you about today.
What is one thing you can do today that future you will thank you for?
Come and share your stories or ask any questions in the Perth Spiritual Learning group on Facebook.