Look backwards to learn...but forwards to improve

Poet JG Whittier wrote: “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest of these is it might have been”.

The thrust of the point was that we look back at things we regret.

“Regret” is a form of mental sorrow for something done or not done.

On some level it’s likely we all do this.

We all combine mistakes and good choices on some level and of course as we get older our values change.

This explains why people change for the better and reminds us how we should allow for change.

Wasting valuable energy on pursuits that are of no value is not uncommon when you are young. Sometimes it causes harm to others by letting them down and as you get older it may get listed under “regrets”.

One day you are reminded of the regret and it can feel disappointing.

The point to remember is that we look back to learn and forward to improve.

The present and the future offers the opportunity to achieve more and improve and is best achieved without distractions that may feel like weights and limit the true potential we have.

Stretching forward to the things ahead should be our goal.

Being human we have a tendency to remember, even dwell on regrets but it’s difficult to change the past.

Life is a “teacher” and even adversity can result in new strengths and determination. Out of regrets can come some good and at the very least we are being honest with ourselves at understanding mistakes.

Odd as it sounds we don’t really know our “true” selves until the end of our life.

Its then the evidence, when balanced, shows us what we accomplished, so never judge too harshly too soon.

For now we can use our time positively, take our goals seriously and make a difference to ourselves and others.

Self improvement is very rewarding.