by Claralynn Schnell of ContemporaryVA
I try to live with the philosophy that I regret nothing because each experience has made me into the person that I am today and I like the person that I am. However, I believe that we all live with a regret or two. It’s working on how to move on from that regret that is the true lesson in the story.
Most regrets that I have stem from being offered something and turning it down because of fear. Am I letting fear control my life? I hope not. For example, when I was in Afghanistan an Apache Pilot offered to take me up in a ride, I declined! Why you ask? I used the excuse that I get air sick (I actually do!) but really it was a fear of being in a helicopter that is routinely targeted by rocket attacks. I was 14 months into a 17 month deployment and just wanted to make it back in one piece. That is a regret that I still live with today.
Do I have deeper regrets? Of course. I regret not going to college when I first graduated high school, so now I am 30 and finishing my degree. I regret not saving more money when I was working full time and beefing up the savings account. I regret many things in my life, however, I believe that in those regrets I have learned to be a better person. By doing my degree now, I have to work harder and juggle more things than had I gone to school at 18. Now I have a husband, 2 kids and bills to be paid, my only focus is not school. However, that decision has taught me to multitask, to work hard for something I truly want and has given me a better perspective of the future.
Regrets come in all shapes and sizes, from decisions to relationships with family members. I have chosen to deal with my regrets in a head on manner and I believe that it has made all of the difference. I don’t hide from my regrets, I put them out there, work hard to overcome and then celebrate the outcome. Things will not always work out the way that I want, but they do work out the way that they were meant to work out.
Regrets can weigh heavy on your heart. If regrets are holding you back and you want to help overcome these obstacles, please contact Paul.