I generally think regret gets a bad name.
I regret a lot in life: not persevering with learning a language or instrument; not trying harder in school; saying I Love You back when I didn’t mean it (!!); having cheese and crackers tonight after a day of healthy eating; repeatedly going to bed too late, and lots more!
I think the idea that is oh so popular on inspirational Pinterest posters (ugh), that regrets are bad and we should have none just misses the whole point and deep value of regrets! They can be the best motivator and prod us to grow into the people we aspire to be; to be better friends and lovers etc, to improve at work, to save money and take better care of our health etcccc.
Shame labels us and makes us stuck.
Regret labels behaviour and moves us forward (well, for me it usually takes a few regrets to get the lesson but hey, it counts!).
And who others want you to be.
What and who you want to be.
And not letting others’ (imagined?) views hinder your quest.
Tagged freedom, friendship, inner strength, inspirational, journeying, poem, poems, poetry, reflection, regrets, relationships, self love, self-growth, self-knowledge, self-reflection, shame.