The benefits of regret

by | Mar 7, 2018 | Empowerment & Encouragement | 2 comments

So this week I’ll be writing about ‘regrets’.  There are some people who say things like ‘I HAVE NO REGRETS IN LIFE’.   I’ve heard people use that saying to refer to mistakes they’ve made in life, or unpleasant things that have happened to them, and in my opinion it seems to be how they ‘make sense’ of these things and then they go on to say ‘my experiences have made me who I am today, so I don’t want to change anything’ (or something along those lines).

I guess I was wondering about this concept and if I am honest I have to say that I really don’t understand this philosophy.  I mean since when did having ‘regrets’ become a negative thing?  Or when did it become equivalent to wanting to ‘change’ who you are today?

I think it’s possible to be proud of who you are and grateful for the experiences (good and bad) and STILL have regrets in life.  In fact, I would go on to say that I believe it’s important to have regrets in life.  I believe that’s how we acknowledge our mistakes, and what ultimately motivates us to NOT make the same mistakes in the future, and learn from past mistakes in life.

I don’t know when ‘not having regrets’ became such a popular statement.  But I am one person who DOES have regrets in life, and I am not embarrassed to say it.  Having regrets doesn’t make me ashamed of my past or imply that I don’t appreciate my experiences.  My regrets help me choose what I do today with intentionality and care.  They also motivate me to not make the same mistakes twice.

How about you?  Had any regrets lately?

Recent Posts

Blue Monday

     Today is Blue Monday, a term often linked to the most ‘depressing’ day of the year.  While science connected to this date is mixed, it is safe to say that the month of January often brings with it post holiday, winter blues that can contribute to strained mental...

read more