Regrets, part and parcel of our experience

The thing we often do when asked about our own regrets is stay mum. Just like the answer given to the question: “Do you have any regret after all these years?” and often quip: “Absolutely none whatsoever. We’re just fine!” 

Yet, with every regret, comes a memorable experience that often is seared into our psyche and represents another building block towards our accumulated wisdom. When we look at them this way, regrets are an important part of our personal makeup and without them we wouldn’t have learned much. 

At least that’s the way I see things. Our experience is built in a small part with regrets. Sure, accidents, pains and suffering probably play a bigger role yet, while success and joy don’t even come close. Since we live in an imperfect world without much foresight, every choice we make involves some risk, and it's impossible to always predict outcomes. 

Some decisions will inevitably lead to results we wish we could change, resulting in regret. But the flip side of this is that regrets are often powerful learning tools. By reflecting on past mistakes, we understand ourselves better and avoid repeating them. 

I’m convinced that learning from regrets is a vital part of personal growth and development. I just don’t dwell on them and don’t allow them to spoil my life, I accept them as some of the building blocks of experience. 

Just like me, put your regrets to work for you!