I suppose I can forgive myself for stealing a pair of knee socks (50 yrs ago) during a blizzard

[Bernardo de La Paz]

12. You are welcome. There's something else you can do too

I know the feeling because about once a week I'll notice myself bugging myself about something I did long ago (or recently) and I'll pause, accept the lesson, forgive myself and move forward, even if it was the same thing on my mind two months ago! It doesn't make it go away; forgiveness is not forgetting; but it does make it easier to handle and healthier.

It is not strictly necessary, but sometimes doing something charitable specifically with the act in mind can help. Think of it as "reimbursing forward". It doesn't erase the act, but it is an atonement.

You could for example buy some warm item of clothing and give it to somebody who really needs something like that. Back in the day a pair of socks might have been about a dollar and they might be about a dollar today with third world textile mills and all, but a dollar 50 years ago generally went as far as $10 or $20 today. Just an idea. I would forgive you, and do to the extent I am able,

Gratitude and forgiveness are two powerful techniques.