1. "Regret nothing because at one time it was exactly what you wanted." Yeah, it was what has already been said but I wanted to touch on this for a moment. I make a lot of in the moment decisions. I spend money I shouldn't, I say things I should keep to myself and I eat things that I know I should have put away. But in that moment that I do these things, it is exactly what I wanted to do! Why feel regret for something you wanted so bad you couldn't pass it up. And next time, remember how you felt afterwards and don't do it next time. Which brings me to #2.
2. You learn from the things you regret. No matter what it was that you did. If I go into the store and spend too much money, I will know (well, should know) that next time I need to go in for what I came for and get only that. If I said something that hurt someones feelings I will know next time that this person is very sensitive and can't handle the truth. And if I eat something that I probably should have put away, I will remember next time and put it back where I got it...hopefully.
3. It's done and over with. It is in the past. You did it, now live with it. I guess my worst regrets come from spending too much money. Now, when I say I spend too much money I do not go broke. I just spend too much and can't save. Believe me, my bills are paid, though a few times I worried...but I also learned from that. The point is, what you regret is now in the past. Move on. One thing that we all have to learn is to just move on. Things change, people change, life changes and regrets only hold us back and keep us from enjoying life.
4. What ever it is you regret is the same exact thing that made you the awesome person you are today. And that is the most important thing to focus on. You may look back at things in your life, shake your head, grow red in the face and say under your breath "I wish I hadn't done that" or "I wish I had done that" but the truth is, if you hadn't done or had done what you wish, you would not be who you are today. And who you are today is awesome, even if you don't feel like it at the moment.
At one time my biggest regret was not doing better in high school so I could get into a really good college. I regretted not taking my SATs. I regretted not losing weight to join the military.
Now, I am thankful for all those decisions. It made me who I am today. I am a college graduate with a really good job. Yeah, I have a ton of student loans and at one time I regretted that too, but without those student loans I would still be working in retail. I am an awesome person for the things I have done in my life, even the ones that I at one time regretted. I have learned so much from the things I once regretted.
I have learned to be nicer to people. To let more people get closer to me (though I still struggle with that one a bit). I have learned to manage my money a bit better and I am trying to live a healthier life.
So my advice to you...
Drop your regrets today and figure out how those things actually made you awesome.
Life is too short to regret what we have done. It's too short to dwell on the past. Just keep moving forward because the world is moving forward. If you keep looking back you are going to miss all the awesome stuff happening right in front of you.
Much Love,
Heather
