No, we don't forget what we did but we learn to forgive ourselves. If we are smart. What we do in our formative years leaves a lasting impression because our minds are still fresh and fallow and therefore what we do then during those years have greater impact on and on those around us. Time helps us see things more clearly in retrospect and it will no doubt help numb things, but we have to come to terms with everything and mend things ourselves. Healing depends on us , not on the passage of time. But that's just my opinion. Or are you talking about something specific like bereavement or loss of essence. What do you see in the mirror ? What is it that you are seeking ?