How To Avoid Regret

I've never been big on New Year's resolutions. It's like waiting until Monday to start a diet. However, the beginning of a new year is an excellent time to take inventory of our lives.

The following story has been circulating for many years, and I recently came across it again. I did not write it and don't know who to credit as the original author, but I like the perspective.

Destination: Regret City

I had not planned a trip this time of year, yet I packed rather hurriedly. This trip would be unpleasant, and I knew no real good would come. This is my annual "Guilt Trip."

I got tickets to fly there on "WISH-I-HAD" airlines. It was an extremely short flight. I got my "baggage," which I could not check. I chose to carry it myself all the way. It had a thousand memories of "what might have been." No one greeted me as I entered the Regret City International Airport terminal. I say international because people from all over the world come to this dismal town.

As I checked into the "Last Resort" Hotel, I noticed they would host the year's most important event — the annual "Pity Party." I wasn't going to miss that great social occasion. Many of the town's leading citizens would be there.

First, there would be the "Done" family; you know, "Should Have," "Would Have," and "Could Have." Then came the "I Had" family. You probably know old "Wish" and his clan. Of course, the "Opportunities" family, "Missed and Lost," would be present. The most prominent family there would be the "Yesterday's."

There are far too many of them to count, but each would have a sad story to share. Of course, "Shattered Dreams" would surely make an appearance. "It's Their Fault" family would regale us with stories (excuses) about how things had failed in their life. Each story would be loudly applauded by the "Don't Blame Me" and "I Couldn't Help It" committees.

To make a long story short, I went to this depressing party, knowing there would be no real benefit. And, as usual, I became very depressed. But as I thought about all of the stories of failures brought back from the past, it occurred to me that this trip and subsequent "pity parties" COULD be canceled by ME!

Detour

I started to realize that I did not have to be there. And I didn't have to be depressed. One thing kept going through my mind: I CAN'T CHANGE YESTERDAY, BUT I DO HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE TODAY A WONDERFUL DAY. I can be happy, joyous, fulfilled, and encouraged.

Knowing this, I left Regret City immediately and didn't leave a forwarding address. Am I sorry for mistakes I've made in the past? YES! But there is no way to undo them.

So, if you're planning a trip back to Regret City, please cancel all those reservations now. Instead, take a journey to a nice place called: "Starting Again." I like it so much that I made it my permanent residence. My neighbors, the "Been Forgiven" and the "We're Saved" are very helpful. By the way, you don't have to carry the heavy baggage anymore. That load is lifted from your shoulders upon arrival. But don't take my word for it; find out for yourself - Author Unknown.

I love that story. It sums up perfectly how so many of us live our lives by default and how we can choose a different path. Are you ready to make your last New Year's Resolution and decide to live your life on purpose?

Schedule a free coaching session, and I will help you avoid a trip to Regret City.