Sometimes when we think back to our past, we can’t help but be filled with regret. There are some things we wish didn’t happen, some things we wish we could change, and even some things we are ashamed of. But the importance of moving forward lies in knowing that these things are not always within our control.

Before I met my husband, I went through a period of desolation and felt life was not worth living. As a result, I did some things that I’m too ashamed to admit now. I made decisions based on the fact that I thought I was happy.

But in retrospection, I know that I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. Life is tough; we don’t always use our best forms of judgment, we don’t always make ourselves proud. But at the end of the day, we are human; we make mistakes. And it’s the courage in picking ourselves up and learning from our mistakes, that builds a stronger character.

I’ve always been a big believer that everything happens for a reason. From the train you missed that prevented a crash, or to the school you went to that led you to your partner; I believe there is a purpose in everything we do and every action we take.

And likewise, I know that I would not be who I am today if I hadn’t gone through all the experiences that I did. I’ve learnt that I am worth much more than I believe myself to be, and deserve much more than I think I do. I had to go through what I did to realise that.

So when you think back to your past, don’t let the things you did shape the things you DO. Let it only be a reminder that you’ve grown as a person and as regretful as your mistakes feel, it is imperative that you look past them. For our future only lies in knowing the past is NOT our future, and how important it is to continue to move forward.

Thuy Le (formerly known as Thuy Yau) is a freelance writer and Youth Work graduate living in Perth, Australia. She loves to share her own personal experiences about overcoming adversity, as she believes that human beings are more capable than they realise. She writes to make a positive difference in the world and to inspire others to learn from themselves and their own experiences. Her writing has been discussed on radio, won writing contests, appeared on The Huffington Post UK and major Australian sites such as news.com.au, SMH, Kidspot and Essential Kids. She has just completed her first book – a memoir - and is on the search for a publisher.