Do not regret the past, focus on the present

At one time or another, we all long for the “good old days,” whatever that means. It’s all too easy to get wrapped up in the past and what might have been. We regret things we did or didn’t do. This point was driven home for me with a recent experience.

I got the call no one wants to hear, my aunt is very ill and she has only weeks to live. I’m embarrassed to admit, my first emotion was one of regret. I felt guilty that I hadn’t made more of an effort to see her these past few years. I saw her about once a year. Then sadness took over. As my elderly relatives pass away, an era is gone. I feel that it’s my last contact with my parents and my childhood.

As I reflected more, I realized that regret is useless. I can’t change the past, I can’t predict the future; all I have is the here and now. I can spend more time with my aunt now and will cherish every moment.

My cousin (the aunt’s son) and I have had some good conversations. He and I didn’t spend a lot of time together growing up, but now that circumstances have brought us together, I am grateful for the connection.

What can you accomplish when you get rid of your guilt?

Photo is courtesy of quinn.anya’s Flickr Photostream, under Creative Commons Licensing.