Whatever one may achieve in life, there is a companion within us.
Sometimes that companion expresses loudly.
Many times, they silently shake us from inside.
The regret within us.
“I didn’t give enough time for my family.
I should have earned more.
I’ve lost very good people.
I took life too easy.
I should not have ignored my health.
Though surrounded by people, I feel lonely inside.
I’ve missed simple joys of life.
I didn’t say Sorry to my parents when I should have.
I didn’t study well”.
I should have earned more.
I’ve lost very good people.
I took life too easy.
I should not have ignored my health.
Though surrounded by people, I feel lonely inside.
I’ve missed simple joys of life.
I didn’t say Sorry to my parents when I should have.
I didn’t study well”.
Regrets are not reserved only for those who fail.
It often remains silently with those who succeed.
Should regrets remain with us?
Is there something that we can do about them?
These are important questions to ponder – both for the successful and the not so successful.
An analogy comes to mind.
While driving a car, we occasionally glance at the rear-view mirror.
Not because we intend to return to where we came from.
But because understanding what lies behind helps us move forward safely.
Not because we intend to return to where we came from.
But because understanding what lies behind helps us move forward safely.
Life is much the same.
Looking back is not a problem. Living there is.
Looking back is not a problem. Living there is.
Regret serves a purpose when it offers perspective.
It becomes harmful when it becomes our permanent residence.
The interesting question is not whether we shall have regrets. Most of us will.
The question is what we do with them.
Some people allow regret to become guilt.
Others allow it to become wisdom.
While the past cannot be rewritten, the future can.
Every regret deserves a question.
"What would you do differently if life gave you another opportunity?"
"What would you do differently if life gave you another opportunity?"
Fortunately, life often does.
Sometimes to revisit one’s past and make corrective steps.
Sometimes in the form of a different situation – similar to the earlier one.
Sometimes to revisit one’s past and make corrective steps.
Sometimes in the form of a different situation – similar to the earlier one.
If the people or situation connected with our regret are still around, perhaps life is inviting us to do what we did not do earlier.
To apologise. To forgive. To express gratitude. To reconnect.
To say the words that remained unspoken. To heal a relationship that quietly drifted apart.
To start working on what you did not work earlier.
To say the words that remained unspoken. To heal a relationship that quietly drifted apart.
To start working on what you did not work earlier.
But what if the people or situations connected with our regrets are no longer around?
Does that mean the regret must remain with us forever? Definitely not.
Does that mean the regret must remain with us forever? Definitely not.
Apologise to someone, forgive someone, express gratitude to someone, reconnect with someone else – when the first opportunity comes.
If the regret is that I didn’t take care of my parents, start serving the elderly who are in need.
If the regret is that you didn’t study well, support a few who want to study well. If the regret is that you neglected your health, support a movement that encourages well-being.
If the regret is that I didn’t take care of my parents, start serving the elderly who are in need.
If the regret is that you didn’t study well, support a few who want to study well. If the regret is that you neglected your health, support a movement that encourages well-being.
Not every regret can be undone. But some can certainly be softened.
Success may be measured by achievements.
Wisdom is often measured by what we learn from our regrets.
Not all regrets can be cured. They can, however, be healed.