I'm really sorry to hear that you had such an upsetting experience. Accidents happen, and it's not uncommon for people to inadvertently harm animals unintentionally. Feeling remorseful and empathetic towards the lizard's suffering shows that you have a compassionate side.
Here are some steps you can take to address the situation and help yourself feel better:
Acknowledge your feelings: Allow yourself to process your emotions and recognize that it's natural to feel upset after an event like this. Be gentle with yourself and avoid self-blame.
Reflect on what happened: Take some time to reflect on the situation and understand what led to the incident. This can help you prevent similar occurrences in the future and be more cautious.
Practice self-compassion: Remind yourself that you are human and mistakes happen. Show yourself the same compassion and understanding you would offer to a friend in a similar situation.
Learn from the experience: Consider what you can do differently next time to avoid causing harm to animals unintentionally. This may involve being more aware of your surroundings or taking preventive measures.
Apologize mentally: If it helps you cope, you can offer a mental apology to the lizard, acknowledging that you didn't intend harm and feeling remorseful for the accident.
Do something positive: Consider engaging in a positive action that helps animals or the environment to make a positive impact. This could be volunteering at an animal shelter, supporting wildlife conservation organizations, or even creating a small habitat for local wildlife in your backyard.
Seek support if needed: If you find that you are struggling to cope with the situation or your emotions, don't hesitate to talk to someone you trust or consider seeking support from a mental health professional.
Remember, everyone makes mistakes, and it's a part of being human. The important thing is to learn from these experiences and take steps to prevent them in the future. Use this as an opportunity to be more mindful and compassionate towards all living beings, and turn your feelings of remorse into positive actions to make a difference in the world.