I don't know anyone- friend, family, or foe- who doesn't carry the burden of regret. If only I had thought before I spoke. Why didn't I tell her I love her before it was too late? If I hadn't told him to leave, had let someone else drive me home, not moved away, if I had only believed in myself...
The way I see it, most of the mistakes we all make are essential to our spiritual growth as humans. Our regrets can paralyze us, cause physical pain, shut us down, especially the times gone by that we just can't fix.
Let's make this Leaving the Past Behind Day. We'll put all past pain and mistakes in a closet way back in our memory. And close the door.
It's taken me a long time to learn to shove regret into the closet and leave it there. But it's so worth it. Great post, Maggie.
ReplyDeleteChris
It is difficult indeed, but if we realize that "the past" is already behind us, and that it doesn't care if we bring it to the present, then maybe it would be easier for us to "leave it behind." We have today, right here, right now. That is all, and that is enough.
ReplyDeleteSounds good to me, Maggie. If we can't fix it, we need to forgive ourselves and stop dwelling on it.
ReplyDeleteTrue. But hard. If you know of any way to make it easier...
ReplyDeleteLiz A. from Laws of Gravity