No Regrets
Every decision made, good or bad, will reveal a valuable lesson.
Moving into a new year, I’m accepting more and more that no matter the decisions I’ve made, there is a lesson to be learned from each experience. The larger meanings will eventually be revealed, maybe sooner than later. Therefore, I need not have any regrets. I embrace the old, trite saying, “things happen for a reason.”
I wrote the following poem about 15 years ago and came across it recently while looking over poems to post. It holds even more meaning today as I look back at decisions I’ve made about my health, my counseling practice, my writing goals, and my self-publishing venture as a debut book author. I’ve questioned some moves I’ve made, second-guessed myself, thinking I may have moved too fast, engaged in overthinking and rumination, and at times, just became paralyzed about what to do next. But with optimism, I’ve recovered and decided to let go, look at the broader landscapes, not allowing myself to get stuck in my head of regrets.
“Regretless”
I choose to grasp the moment
Not to let it pass
I seize the opportunity
In the looking-glass
Tomorrow is not promised
One chance I get per day
In the looking-glass I see
That chance may slip away
Striking while the iron’s hot
Full of uncertainty
I take each challenge as it comes
What will be, will be
Challenges and blessings come
Some wonders never cease
The most unlikely circumstance
Might change and bring me peace
Putting all my fears aside
I take the wheel and drive
The very thing I fear the most
Could help me to arrive
I peer into the looking-glass
My future has been set
Step by step to be fulfilled
In time, without regret
JLE 2022
I hope this poem impacts your outlook on life in a way that helps you take leaps without fear, steps without stumbles, and dives without fear of drowning. As long as you are true to yourself and make decisions with intention to reach a goal, regret nothing. Savor the lessons learned along the way and apply them as needed. Be prepared for deeper meanings to be revealed in time that may add more appreciation of your experiences and your character. It all counts, good or bad.
