The title of this list is strong, cuts right to the point....but for good reason. The idea of carrying regret throughout our life is something that varies from one person to the other. Some of us have zero regrets about decisions we've made or things we've done or not done in our life, but I think we all reach a point (perhaps when we are nearing the end of it) that we reflect on who we are and the things we wished we would have said or done.
A few that struck a nerve with me:
"Not traveling when you had the chance." I've definitely missed out on a lot of trips because I have a fear of flying. In high school I was nominated to tour Europe with a traveling music ensemble but turned it down because I could not bring myself to get on a plane. I missed a great opportunity but at the time, my feelings were valid and I don't regret having them. Now, I've been working myself up to longer trips in the air with hopes to someday make it across the big, blue pond.
"Staying in a bad relationship." Okay, this is a hard one to admit but I definitely overstayed in a relationship a few years ago. I will simply say, it wasn't healthy and was pulling me in a direction that was so not who I was which is hard to put out there. I think we all view bad relationships or break-ups as failures so it feels embarrassing when having to own up to it. At least it does for me. I am just very thankful for family and friends who didn't hold back and challenged me to see things clearly.
"Failing to make physical fitness a priority." I really do have a love/hate relationship with the gym. There are times when I will run every day for months and then I just seem to drop off in my activity. I need to stop talking about doing gym things and get my butt on a treadmill.
"Not realizing how beautiful you are." Sometimes I wish I could turn off my brain and love myself a little more. I've always put myself down more than I should. I'm working on this....
"Caring too much about what other people think." All I can think to say here is that this is so me. Please see my entry on highly sensitive people.
"Worrying too much." Please note above about highly sensitive people.
Here are the regrets from the list that I'm totally rocking right now:
Forgoing sunscreen. Pass the SPF 70, I say. You will always find me lathered up, under a hat, under a beach umbrella. Pale is the new tan.
Not quitting a terrible job. Realizing that I have a choice and can change things in my professional life was such an amazing experience and I've never been happier.
Not trying hard in school. Since elementary school, I've always tried as hard as possible in every class, every exam, etc. And, I was such a nerd that I cried if I had to miss school. Yeah, I said it.
Not listening to your parent's advice. My parents, Steve and Bev, are probably the wisest of the wise. They've seen a lot, been through a lot, and know a lot. While I don't take every piece of advice from them, I definitely hear them out and bounce all ideas off of them. They rock. You should meet them....maybe they can go on tour.
Missing the chance to talk to your grandparents before they die. I am envious of anyone who still has their grandparents with them in this life. I miss my grandparents so much that somedays it hurts to not know they are there. Take the time to talk to them, learn from them, and be with them. You'll miss that time so much when they are no longer here.
Not stopping to appreciate the moment. I really do appreciate all of the small things, something that has never changed since I was a little girl.
Failing to finish what you start. This was never an option with my father. This has been something that was hammered (not literally) into my head from day one.
Never performing in front of others. Been there, done that, would love to do more! Check, check, and check.
So, what are some of your regrets that you can work on? Or what are some of the items included on this list that you are totally taking advantage of today? Check out the full article and find out.
