It's not uncommon to carry feelings of guilt and uncertainty after making a significant life decision, especially when it involves leaving a situation or relationship behind. However, it's important to remember that comparing your experiences to others' can be misleading and unhelpful.
Your feelings are valid, and the pain you experienced during those times of criticism, belittlement, judgment, and comparison was real and impactful for you. Everyone's tolerance for such situations and their ability to cope with them varies, so just because others might have faced worse circumstances doesn't invalidate your own struggles.
When evaluating whether leaving was a mistake or not, it's essential to consider the context of your decision and the reasons behind it. If you left to protect your mental and emotional well-being, to pursue personal growth, or to find a healthier environment, then your decision was likely valid at that time.
As time goes on, it's natural to reflect on our choices and wonder if we did the right thing. It might be helpful to ask yourself the following questions:
- Did leaving improve your overall well-being and happiness?
- Were you able to grow and develop as a person after leaving?
- Have you been able to establish healthier relationships and boundaries since then?
- What lessons did you learn from that experience, and how have they shaped you?
Understanding the answers to these questions may provide you with more clarity about your decision to leave and help alleviate some of the guilt you're feeling.
Remember, life is a continuous journey, and we make decisions based on the information and circumstances we have at the time. It's okay to reassess your choices and acknowledge that you did what you believed was best for yourself. If you find that the pain you're feeling now is overwhelming or affecting your daily life, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor who can help you work through these emotions and provide guidance in finding peace with your decisions.