Repent! does not mean to grovel, but to change

Repentance is not complicated, nor is it nearly as onerous as it is made out to be. To repent means to change, not to grovel for the mistakes of the past. "God requireth that which is past." says the Bible, an admonition to let go of the past because there is absolutely nothing we can do to change it! But the present - this we can change!

The biggest roadblock to changing is our own lack of resolve. To this end, Mrs. Eddy presents the stark reality of why change is needed, a powerful motivator:

"Art thou still unacquainted with thyself? Then be introduced to this self. 'Know thyself!' as said the classic Grecian motto. Note well the falsity of this mortal self! Behold its vileness, and remember this poverty-stricken 'stranger that is within thy gates.' Cleanse every stain from this wanderer's soiled garments, wipe the dust from his feet and the tears from his eyes, that you may behold the real man, the fellow-saint of a holy household. There should be no blot on the escutcheon of our Christliness when we offer our gift upon the altar." (Retrospection And Introspection, by MBE)

Protestations of TRYING to change are hollow. I speak from experience. But once we are so disgusted with what needs changing, we stop sugar-coating it and the change follows. Of course it helps to remember, "to this end God worketh with you." (S&H)