Everyone has something they've done or experienced that they might regret, or wish that had turned out differently. However, living and regretting your experiences can create a dark cloud on your normal days. It can loom above you, making you upset at any given time, as you live in your regret for the rest of your life. You'll never stop thinking about it, and you won't stop talking about it. There's a constant reminder, telling you in your head, that you messed up big time. That you shouldn't have talked to that boy you liked, who ignored you. That you shouldn't have gone out that night, because you ended up failing an important exam. That you should have bought that dress, because once you went back to it, it was gone. That you should have broken up with your ex-boyfriend before he dumped you in front of all of your friends.

Having regrets is a normal part of life; however it isn't the most healthy thing. If you change your outlook on your regrets and past experiences, you can increase your optimism greatly. By giving up on your regrets, you can live your life to the fullest. I am a firm believer in the idea that anything can happen, whenever, and if it does, it's probably meant to be the way it turned out.

Your choices shape you.

Every decision you make shapes you to become the person you are now. It also sets you up for what you will be like in the future. For example, you started off an a pre-med major in college, but then you decided you weren't all that into it. You found business more appealing and decided to take that route instead. Your parents were pre-med majors, and your whole family wanted you to follow their same route. You feel guilty, shamed, embarrassed. But why? It's your life, not anyone else's. You should do what you want, and do what you love.

So, you did something really stupid. For example, you made out with your friend's crush. You plagiarized on a paper. Sure, maybe you shouldn't have done what you did, and you feel bad. But don't let your mistakes ruin your life. Don't let your mistakes haunt you. The thing is, we all learn from our mistakes. Maybe not the first time, or the second time, maybe not even the third time, but you will, and it will affect your future choices. For example, you backed your car out of your garage and accidentally broke off your side-view mirror. It's awful, but you'll probably be more careful in the future. Or, if you got a speeding ticket, at least you're going to drive somewhat slower on the roads (or at least when there aren't any cops). Your choices set you up and make you who you are. You should never regret anything you do, because at the point in time, it has created your experiences. Everyone has different experiences and different upbringings/environments. Think of every situation in a more positive way, and soon you won't have regrets. This is what life is all about. We live and we learn. We grow.

We should be happy with the mistakes that we make- it's funny to laugh about them later, and it can make you see the bigger picture. It might be hard to learn to live happily with mistakes that you've made, but it's certainly do-able! We all make mistakes and regret things- that's a given. But not everyone knows how to move on. When we can't move past our mistakes, it is easier to fall into depression. Moving on is one of the most difficult things that we have to do. The mistakes that you make now will impact your future- you learn from your mistakes. It will take time. How do we learn to live happily with mistakes that we've made?

1. Learn to move on

You can't let one mistake take over your life. Everything will work and out and end up being okay, and if not- it's never the end. Things can be fixed. What person hasn't made a mistake in their life? We're all there with you. Moving past your mistakes will allow you to grow and to learn.

2. Think about your future

By making mistakes, you are setting up your future. You have the power to change your life and to change your future. If you let your mistakes take over your life, you won't be very well off. If you learn from your mistakes and attempt to change your outcomes later on, you are thinking about your future. Hopefully you won't be making the same mistake over and over again.

3. Enjoy the present

Don't worry too much about the past or future. You are living now, in the present. Things happening now are occurring right where you are, and you can't overthink about any past mistakes. Worrying about your past or future will cause you much more stress than necessary.

4. Laugh

Not all mistakes are truly awful- look back on your mistakes and laugh. It was pretty funny when you fell off that skateboard while trying to do a crazy trick that you knew you wouldn't be able to do, and you broke your ankle. It might now have been funny at the time, but now, it is. And it's okay.

5. Be positive

Have an optimistic outlook on your life. Be happy with where you are now, and know that your mistakes never define you. They form you to become the person you are now, and you learn from every experience you have. Life is all about making mistakes, otherwise you would't be LIVING.

We are lucky to be alive. We get to experience numerous things, and enjoy the little things in life. Things can only improve from each mistake you make, and you will have more stories to tell with each mistake you have. You can learn and prevent yourself from doing something again, as well as help to educate others on not doing what you did, based on what you learned from your mistakes, Move past your mistakes, enjoy life, and be happy. Everyone makes mistakes, but only you have the power to conquer yours!