When I was younger, I made a lot of bad choices. Often in hopes of a good outcome, but an objective observer would’ve seen them for folly. Now, I think it was because I didn’t respect myself enough. Self-respect teaches us not to pin contentedness on a forlorn hope or unrequited love.
I’m pleased to be more comfortable with who I am today. To know that I am both enough and also a work in progress.
Better choices flow from that improved self-respect.
A better version of me arises as I choose more wisely, too.
Sometimes You Learn 
Live and learn so they say, some of my poorer learning choices have been more fun than others that’s for sure!
There was fun in many of my poor choices too, in the short term. And, belatedly, a little wisdom has come from them over the longer term! :^)