169. Why Do I Keep Punishing Myself for the Past? | Self-Forgiveness

In this episode of Why Do I Do This? with Johnny Lawrence, I explore why we can become trapped by regret, replaying old mistakes and judging our past selves with the knowledge we have today. We look at the difference between regret and rumination, why context matters when looking back, and how comparing ourselves to an imaginary version of where we think we “should” be can keep us stuck. I also share practical ways to reframe your past, practise self-forgiveness and use what happened then to change what happens next. Because you can't change what happened. But you can change what it means. Takeaways 👉 Regret can teach you; rumination keeps you stuck. 👉 You judged your past self with the knowledge you have today. Context matters. 👉 Self-forgiveness doesn't require approval. You can accept what happened without excusing it. 👉 Your imaginary timeline isn't reality. Stop comparing your life to where you think you should be. 👉 The past can become information, not an identity. Ask: What can I learn, change and do next? JOIN THE BOOK WAITLIST https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/book  Kindle Pre-Order Website www.johnnylawrence.co.uk Johnny’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/johnnylawrenceuk/?hl=en  Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whydoidothisofficial/?hl=en  The Slavey of Addiction Documentary https://youtu.be/8j3Nq_lcFlY?si=6I0kXppX9prFFoin