EIGHT REGRETS

Try as I may to live a life without regrets, I have to be honest and, in the words from the old Frank Sinatra song “My Way”, “Regrets, I’ve had a few…” And so, I ponder what are possibly my eight biggest regrets at this point in life.  As with previous posts, this list is compiled as the items came to me, not necessarily in any particular order.

1. Not having been encouraged to read as a child.  Not having a love of reading instilled in me or encouraged is something I’ve always regretted.  It’s much more difficult to pick up a passion for reading later in life. 
2. Not having taken my college career more seriously, at least in some ways.  I wouldn’t trade one single, solitary moment of the personal growth opportunities I gained in college.   While I was an average student, academics were not my primary focus.  The lessons I learned about myself are actually a huge part of the experience.  Now, that sounds like I was a party animal.  I can assure you that wasn’t the case.  I went to a private Southern Baptist college in a dry county in Kentucky.  At least to my group of friends, drinking and partying was not part of our extra curricular activities.  Now spending all hours of the evening at the local Wendy’s studying and socializing were more our speed.
3. Not being more responsible with my credit cards.
4. Being a consummate procrastinator.
5. Not always thinking before I speak.  Lacking a “filter” and certain “social graces” often gets me in some sticky situations.
6. Being a picky eater. I don’t even know why I am regretting it.  As I was getting ready to turn 40 I was reading some blogs.  One person was lamenting that they don’t like certain types of foods.  One person said “I’ve finally decided I’m 40, I don’t like sushi.  I’ve tried it and I’m not going to apologize any more.”   My thoughts exactly.  However, I do regret that, for whatever the reason I don’t have an elaborate palate.
7. Not yet returning to school for an advanced degree.
8. Not having the courage I need to make amends when it really matters.

Here’s my confession:  While I do have a few regrets in my life, I firmly believe that as long as I have breath in my lungs, I have the opportunity to work on the areas I currently regret.   Life must be lived forward, not backwards, and should be lived one chapter, one page at a time.   My life is a work in progress. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery.