Regrets

Our pasts shape us. They shape us by what we have done, what we have not done and how we feel about it. Regret is one such feeling.

Do you look back at your life and regret?  Do you regret things you did, such as hurting someone? Or things you did not do, such as going to the prom or learning to ski?

What we regret can define us. 

Don't spend your future looking back and regretting your past.

Think about your regrets. Is it too late to change them?  If you regret the things you did not do, then can you do them now?  Can you take those piano lessons or that trip?

If you regret the hurt you have caused, can you make up for it?  You could track down the person and apologize. Maybe you stole some money. Can you return it now?

If you can not make it up to the person you hurt, maybe you can do something else.  You say you stole money as a child from someone who could not afford to lose it? Maybe you could give time or money to a charity now. If you can not pay your debt to some one directly, there are ways to make the world a better place. Pay it forward if you can not pay it back.

Maybe all you need to do to get past the regret is to forgive yourself. Think about what you did. Really look at it. Do not make excuses. Do not try to justify it. Examine it. Accept it. Do what you can to change it or make up for it. Then forgive yourself. 

It may take you a few tries to get it right but letting go of regret can be like removing a heavy coat after a long winter.  Enjoy the spring.