Is it possible not to have any regrets in life ? I have a long list of “If only..” that I am constantly reflecting on…
- If only I knew, I would have done it differently.
- If only I had been less judgemental, I would have empathized more.
- If only I had listened more deeply, I would have understood better.
- If only I had been less reactive, I would have made less mistakes.
- If only I had not taken shortcuts, I would have avoided the accidents.
- If only I had the courage to just do it, I would not have missed out those opportunities.
- If only …. Too many if only ….
Reflection is so essential to ensure these life lessons of the past do not turn into regrets but instead help ground us and help us grow to be a better human being.
It will be unreal to say I have no regrets, but I am simply grateful for each brand new day with a brand new start and being given another chance to make better decisions and take meaningful actions.
But oops..My “If only…” list was still staring at me with full glare on many occasions, especially so when I was under stress.
It’s OK ! Let’s Start All Over Again
- It’s ok.. if you find yourself in similar situations, give yourself some credit for being able to spot those really die hard bad habit or behaviours. Your ability to recognise them is already a good a start and with the right intention, you can make positive progress.
- It’s ok.. if you find progress to be very slow, to a point of not being noticeable by those around you. Any progress is progress, even if it is reducing the ‘regretable moments’ occurrence by just a percentage point or two. Do it first for your own peace, without worrying too much as yet on the positive impact on others.
- It’s ok.. if you find yourself loosing faith and on the verge of giving up. Reflect once again on your intention and higher purpose. For me, it is about cultivating myself to have the right thoughts, words and actions so that my last days are filled with love and kindness and not with regrets, remorse or any guilt feelings.
It’s ok to trip and fall… let’s just start all over again with each brand new day and a brand new start. If you start to find yourself enjoying the present moment in time, are fully at peace and happy, you are heading the right track. Be grateful for that moment !
Lyn 🌻😊
Dear Lyn,
‘IF ONLY ‘ are 2 favourite words used for self judgement or discontent. God gives us eyes to look forward and, if we take the wrong direction, decision, judgement, behaviour, we correct ourselves and hopefully remove IF ONLY out of it’s basket. I was one person with too many IF ONLY thoughts but, I find peace now and never used those 2 words for a long period of time. The 3 people who helped me to overcome IF ONLY are my late mother, my husband and myself. So, yes, life can be restart for better without IF ONLY. ❤️
Excellent Spring, thank you so much for sharing your experience. You are a great role model for many trying to make progress! Yes, throw away all those “If only” !
Thank you Lyn for your excellent reflective article. It Is ok to have regrets as this Is how we learn, grow and evolve into a better and more empathetic person. However knowing the tegrets give a person experiential learning but we cannot however get stuck with the regrets. The way for true learning is to let go after we have learnt the lesson from the regrets and move on….
The world has many lessons for everyone to learn from and we learn with deep Faith and understanding, and do our level best. For me I learn, even if it causes me great pains and sadness, to accept my own mistakes and Just live to ensure i live my own Life with New meanings. It is up to me to live my own life happily,
Wow thank you so much Leanne for taking the time to share your personal learnings and experiences ! So many precious points to reflect on… and I particularly resonant with “learn, grow and evolve….” and true learning is about “letting go and moving on… “… I am sure my readers will benefit much from your sharing too ! Thank you again !
Lyn,
A great photo.
Thanks for sharing.
Springxx
Yes a beautiful sunrise photo taken from the Mt Faber hill. Glad you like it !
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
It’s reminds me to refect myself when i am stressful and always like to voiceup
I ready enjoy it beautiful story.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Sheena, I am so happy you enjoy and resonate with it.
Thank you for the reminder to start reflecting. Its tends to get forgotten in the frenzy of the day. Never too late to start.
Thanks for sharing.
Indeed, I have been through many roller coaster rides and what I have discovered is in fact silent moment of reflection are most precious during the most busy and stressful period… it helps me bring back some sanity 🙂
This is good timing for me. I am starting over again as a retiree after a failed attempt at a second career. I loved the people, it was hard to leave. But I didn’t love the work and being away from my family. I’m letting my heart lead me this time.
Happy for you Carla, all the very best !
Thank you for sharing this beautiful reminder. I have just lost my youngest brother due to a road accident early this year. It has made me realised to appreciate the present moment and my loved ones. If will not bring him back and so proud to know he had left behind such a great legacy. I have so much to learn from and move on…..grateful and thanks for your great sharing
My deepest condolences for your lost Siew Kiang and please take care. I am so grateful that you find my sharing helpful. Indeed so much we can all learn and grow from our life experiences as we learn to live happily and peacefully each brand new day.