25 Things You Should Forgive Yourself For Doing Before You Turn 25
Most of us have a ‘one that got away,' and they're usually the one we actually pushed away because we were scared, not ready, or didn't feel good enough.
1. Working at a job you hate.
It’s not fun, but a lot of us have been there. Sometimes we’re desperate for the money, sometimes we may not know what else to do with our lives. You don’t have to have your whole career figured out yet, but you do need to forgive yourself for taking that crappy job. You also need to find a job you love, because life is too short and it’s where you’ll be spending most of your time.
2. Believing someone’s lies.
A boyfriend’s, girlfriend’s, family member’s or a friend’s—it doesn’t matter. Stop beating yourself up for ignoring the signs or being ‘gullible.’ You’re a kind-hearted human who wanted to see the best in them.
3. Having a one-night stand.
Maybe you hadn’t had sex in a while. Maybe you wanted to try something new. Maybe you were just drunk or bored. It doesn’t matter. Sometimes it’s good to figure out if you’re into one-night stands sooner rather than later.
4. Developing feelings for your friend with benefits.
It’s always possible, even when if you promise yourself it’s not.
5. Falling in love with someone who treats you badly.
Don’t feel bad for falling in love with someone, no matter how shitty they treated you. If you can fall in love with a person so terrible, imagine how much love you can give someone who actually deserves it.
6. Taking back that ex that treated you badly.
We’ve all been there. Forgive yourself and learn from your mistakes.
7. Being unhappy with the way you look.
It’s normal for both men and women to experience this, but don’t let the way you look become an obsession. Be kind to yourself and define your own beauty.
8. Caring what other people think.
Whew. I suffered this problem for a long time, but guess what? It doesn’t bring you happiness, and people never care as much as you think.
9. Not standing up for yourself when you really wanted to.
Some people just aren’t worth it, but it’s never too late to start. Find a way to get your view across assertively while remaining calm.
10. People-pleasing.
A lot of people people-please because they want to be liked and keep others happy, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But if doing this starts to affect your own happiness, it’s time to be a little selfish and focus on your own needs.
11. Putting others before yourself.
Again, we do this to keep others happy. It’s a good thing, and it can show someone how much you love and care for them, but please, love and care for yourself too.
12. Not going to the gym when you said you would.
Who can blame you when the other option is sleep?!
13. Eat unhealthily.
I didn’t really take healthy eating seriously until my early twenties, but it’s never too late to start. Find that balance of eating well (it’s good for the brain too!) but don’t feel bad for treating yourself every now and then.
14. Getting so drunk you throw up.
If you’ve never experienced this then you deserve some sort of Blue Peter badge, but if you’re anything like me and my friends, it’s happened once or twice. Start drinking responsibly now though! Hangovers only get worse with age.
15. Pushing away the ‘nice guy/girl.’
Most of us have a ‘one that got away,’ and they’re usually the one we actually pushed away because we were scared, not ready, or didn’t feel good enough. Forgive yourself and know that someone just as amazing is going to come your way as long as you’re ready to let them.
16. Judging someone you don’t know.
We have ALL done this. Laugh at yourself for being a judgemental asshole, but strive to stop doing this in the future.
17. Buying stuff you don’t need.
Forgive yourself for thinking you needed floor-length duster jeans. Forgive yourself for buying stylish food-prep tools that you’ve only used once. Forgive yourself for buying that Jersey Shore box-set…
18. Failing at something.
The word failure is always associated with being a negative thing, but truthfully, we all experience failures and they’re an important part of growth.
19. Eating [insert something sweet] for breakfast.
Ice cream is an old personal favorite.
20. Not asking for what you want.
Better treatment from somebody, a pay rise, JUST a trim, etc. It’s okay, but you should probably learn how to ask for what you want—it will save you a ton of stress and it’s what you deserve.
21. Worrying too much.
Is my laugh too loud? Is my acne visible? If I reply too quick, will he think I’m over-eager? Again, it’s okay, but STOP STOP STOP now.
22. Giving up something you started because it just wasn’t working out.
It’s especially a good idea to give something up if it starts to affect your mental health. Take it as a good sign—the more things you try, the closer you are to learning what you really want to do.
23. Telling your ex what a prick they were.
Hey, sometimes it helps. Just make sure you block their number afterwards. You don’t want to harass them.
24. Feeling sorry for yourself.
Suffering is a choice. Let whatever hurt you feel go and use that pain and energy to do beautiful things.
25. Still holding onto past mistakes/regrets.
It’s time to let it go because you deserve peace and happiness. There’s a lesson to be learned in every mistake and regret, and it’s never too late to turn everything around. 