I regret doing something this week.

I did something this week that I regret.  I didn’t steal or cheat or anything like that.  I just did something, let something get to me, and didn’t behave in a way that I like.  No one really noticed it but me.  I am still thinking about it.  I don’t like regret, even though we all have it.

I guess I need to let myself off the hook.  Certainly I agree with the notion that the understanding that you did something you regret, is half the battle.  And we all feel it every day.  So, I’m normal, right?

Really, regret is the recognition that the world is not as good or perfect as it could be (or we want it to be).  Regret means that we wish something hadn’t happened, but it doesn’t imply that you could have or should have done anything about it or even responded differently.

There is some good to regret.  It means we look at the things we do in an effort to do better the next time.  It’s like getting angry; it can be helpful at times to allow us to look at issues and work through them.

Thinking or worrying (that’s me) about the situation too much can be counterproductive.  So, it is important to let go of the regret and use it for some greater purpose … to change our behavior the next time … maybe even to apologize (I’m going to do that today).

So, regardless of whether you do something you regret involving your kids, your spouse or even friends, know that regret will help make your life better.  Again, life really is about embracing our mistakes!

Have a great day!