Once again I found something buried in my files from years ago. I originally wrote it in mid-2008 but it still rings true for me. I hope it does the same for you.
There are 2 kinds of regret as I see it: Regret for things we’ve done, or regret for things we haven’t done. Which is the better way to live? I believe we live our day-to-day lives naturally trying to minimize both kinds of regret, but given the choice I would opt for the first one. And clearly I have the choice.
I think it’s time to try what I’ve never done…to act from my heart despite the “real world” admonition that to do so is asking for trouble. (OK…I guess they’re right on that front. It certainly can and does lead to trouble sometimes.)
Many times we fail because the world is very strong in its attempt to hold back the dreamers. But a dream coupled with hope…and perseverance…and loyalty of the heart brings about a new reality. I believe hope is the most important “something” because it is what keeps the dream alive. To have a dream and pursue it with hope allows one to dive head first into the storm…giving our hearts a fighting chance to achieve the things that give our life meaning.
Failure? We only fail if we give up. Listen to your heart…and believe it…and have faith in yourself and the Universe…that there are no accidents.
Addendum…
My little family has gone through so much since I wrote that…but I believe it more now than I did then. I meet so many people who are draining their days doing things that have no meaning for them. They seem stuck and don’t have any idea how to move forward and away from the things that suck the color from their own personal story. (We ALL have a story…)
It’s a damn shame from where I’m sitting. I was booted out of my safe, planned future…and while I hate the method it has opened my head up to how I was living much of the time. Mostly I was afraid of making mistakes that would upset my applecart…and the regrets that would follow if I screwed up.
I saw it years ago…that no matter how hard I try to protect myself against change…change will happen. Given that fact…I think it’s best that said changes don’t so much happen to me…but because of me.
So I guess the lesson is what I said before…
There are 2 kinds of regret as I see it: Regret for things we’ve done, or regret for things we haven’t done. Which is the better way to live? I believe we live our day-to-day lives naturally trying to minimize both kinds of regret, but given the choice I would opt for the first one. And clearly I(you) have the choice.
It’s all easier said than done, huh? Right. Maybe don’t hide behind that sentence for too long. Get out there and meet new people if you’re lonely…start the process of finding a new job that you love if you hate where you are now…write that mystery novel that’s dying to get out…or be OK staying home alone with your insecurities.
Life has a funny way of slipping by…so take a few chances. Win or lose…I’m telling you…you won’t regret it.
