001: Turning Scars Into Stars – The Art of Moving On
The Art of Letting Go shares weekly lessons on overcoming regret and embracing growth.
Hey Curious Minds,
I’ve decided to turn this newsletter into a space where I’ll be documenting everything I learn throughout the week. I want to be intentional about sharing these lessons with you—doing so from different angles and in ways that are not only relatable but that you can apply to your everyday life. This isn’t just about teaching; it’s about exploring what I’m learning and inviting you to come along for the journey.
Now, let’s dive in:
December always feels like a season of reflection, doesn’t it? The year winds down, and suddenly, we’re flooded with memories—some sweet, others bittersweet.
And then, there’s the regret.
Regret sneaks up on you when you least expect it. A quiet whisper at night: “I should have known better.” A random reminder during the day: “Why didn’t I handle that differently?”
I’ve been there too.
For a long time, my mistakes played on a loop in my mind. I’d let the “could have, should have, would have” soundtrack hold me hostage, replaying scenes I couldn’t rewrite. The weight of regret has this way of making the past feel bigger than the present.
But here’s the thing:
Yesterday is a closed book.
It’s history. It’s done.
The only question is: What do you do with it now?
Three Lessons December Taught Me
This month, as the year comes to a close, I’ve realized something simple yet profound. Regret doesn’t have to weigh you down—it can lift you up if you let it. Here's what works for me:
1️⃣ Reflect, Don’t Ruminate
Reflection isn’t the same as replaying your mistakes on a loop. It’s about stepping back and asking yourself, “What can I take away from this experience?”
Mistakes have a funny way of being our greatest teachers—if we’re willing to learn from them. For me, reflecting on the past isn’t about self-pity; it’s about self-discovery.
2️⃣ Reset Your Mindset
Regret thrives in a fixed mindset: “I messed up, and that’s all there is to it.”
But when you shift to a growth mindset, regret turns into opportunity: “I messed up, but here’s what I’ll do differently next time.”
Resetting your mindset is like wiping the slate clean. It’s a decision to see every regret as a step forward instead of a step back.
3️⃣ Refocus on What Truly Matters
Here’s the truth: not every mistake needs fixing. Some mistakes are meant to be left in the past so you can focus on your future.
What truly matters isn’t perfection. It’s progress. It’s not about erasing the past; it’s about building the life you want moving forward.
What December Reminds Us About Moving On
The final month of the year is a beautiful metaphor. December is the closing of one chapter and the promise of another. It’s the quiet nudge that says:
“What’s done is done, but tomorrow is waiting for you.”
I’ve come to see regret not as a burden, but as a bridge. A way to connect my past with my future. A way to grow, change, and move forward.
And if you’re feeling the weight of your own regrets right now, let me ask you this:
👉 What’s one small thing you can do today to leave regret behind and refocus on what’s next?
Let me know. Hit reply and share your thoughts—I’d love to hear from you.
See you next week,
P.S.
“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” — Søren Kierkegaard
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