Someone once asked...
Someone answered with kindness...
Self-forgiveness begins the moment you realize that the person who made that mistake was doing the best they could with the awareness they had at the time. We often judge our past selves using our present wisdom. But you cannot expect a younger version of you to have known what pain would teach you later. Carrying guilt does not wash away the past; it only heavy-chains the present. Treat your past self not as an enemy to be punished, but as a student who fell while learning to walk. Offer that younger version of you the same mercy you would extend to a dear friend. You have already paid for the mistake with your regret. It is time to put the weight down.