Turning Mistakes into Opportunities for a Better Future

I lost everything in a week and now I can’t stop thinking about the past. What I could have done. What can I do to get out of this hell? I lost my girlfriend, my job, and had to move out because of reckless behavior, self-sabotage, and alcoholism. Instead of a life filled with regret, let's have a life filled with hope for the future. You can wish you had or wish you didn’t, or you can hope for the future.

You can either wallow in past mistakes or use them as stepping stones to build a better tomorrow. You have already learned valuable lessons, I hope you won’t repeat them. You are aware of the cause of your regret. The uncertainty of what will come in your future can be frightful enough to not want to move forward. But YOU are in control of your future, not your mistakes. Each and every day, what you do will define your future.

Addressing Alcoholism

You spoke of alcoholism, not just drinking. It is important to understand that most alcoholics cannot just stay away from alcohol. You must take an active role in your sobriety. There is a free, time-tested solution that can help: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA has the steps to help you stop your drinking and remain sober.

Often, when one defines themselves as an alcoholic, they will always be an alcoholic. You already said “out loud” and “anonymous,” you are an alcoholic. This is part of Step 1. When you have an AA sponsor, they are always there for you in the years ahead. Going to meetings makes a real difference. I know because I saw my alcoholic mother think staying away from drinking would be enough. It is never enough.

I urge you to find a meeting in your area and begin the process. Attending weekly meetings is necessary. Every week. Each step completed will give you more control over your alcoholism and, therefore, your life. As with your regrets, your choices can give you a better life and happiness.

Reaching Out to Family

Reach out to your family and let them know how you are changing your life. Ask them to... support you on your journey. They have been part of your life during good and bad times. Understanding and support can make the difference.

Learning from Past Mistakes

Reflect on your past mistakes. Accept the things you feel in your heart that you may have done wrong. Move away and start over. Consider visiting another continent for a while to get some perspective. Let life offer you new beginnings and opportunities.

As John F. Kennedy said, “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things not because they are easy but because they are hard.” Hardships are our greatest teachers. Not everyone has the opportunity to grow by facing challenges. Many have it easy and comfortable, but it is they who will suffer the hardest when they have little or no real experience of hardship.

Hardships are blessings in disguise. They can be a tool that will make a person achieve bigger and greater things. Without pain, there can be no pleasure. As the saying goes, “No pain, no gain.”