There are obviously times in my life that I look back on, and I’m not happy with. I had a little too much fun there, probably shouldn’t have gotten involved with that guy, should’ve told that person I loved them more. But nothing is worse than looking back and hating what you’ve done. There comes a certain point when you just have to let go, accept that what’s done is done, and move on.

All experiences, whether you view them as good or not, have gotten you to where you are today. It’s okay to regret that super embarrassing moment you tripped in front of your crush. It’s okay that at one point school may not have been your top priority. No matter what you regret, it’s okay. You’re human, I’m human, we are all human, and not everything always goes according to plan.

I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life. For example, my grandfather died when I was just 15. I was too young to realize the kind of impact on my life that he had made, so I never got to tell him how I really felt and how grateful I am he was such a big part of my life. But I took from this experience, and I learned from it. I’m so much more vocal to people about how much they mean to me, and how much I love them because I never want to be put in that situation again. Also, I was a horrible student in high school. I hated everything about school, and I was lazy and never did half the work I was supposed to. There’s evidence in this in my transcript, everything after my freshman year was horrifying. Now, as a sophomore in college, I realize how important education is and how thankful I am for the opportunity to be here, and I work very hard to get the best grades I can.

There are certain things that we are all going to regret. We are going to look back at certain times of our lives and just cringe, but letting go of those times and embracing your past, no matter what has happened, can really take a huge weight off your shoulders. Letting go of regrets can mean that you can truly live free, and live the life that makes you happy. It’s hard to embrace new experiences when the times of your past continually haunt you.

As a Christian, I have to let go of my sins of the past or else it’s impossible for me to move forward and stay on the path that God has laid out for me. When I think about making the same mistakes, my walls go up, and I have a hard time putting all my trust in God. But when I let go, and let Him take control, I’m able to fully live the life He wants for me. God forgives. He’s forgiven me for everything I’ve done wrong, and that to me, is the most incredible thing in the world. No matter what mistakes I’ve made, or even continue to make, God still loves me. After realizing this, I was able to live freely, and with no regrets.