Change Regrets into Goals

(written by past Elizabeth in February, 2020)

One of my goals is to write a blog post every week, not about just any topic but one that is currently happening in my life or one that is current in my heart. I have always had the regret that I did not travel enough in college, as many do. So, I began talking to friends and family and acting on my goals. I am now beginning to plan trips to places with people I never thought would be possible. No one should be living with regrets; regret is a punch in the stomach that can be carried through one's life. I'm here to say that these regrets can be changed with your actions.

Although I could have simply searched for "common regrets people have" on Google, I chose to focus on topics that I believe my readers, friends, and family could connect with or share. Therefore, I decided to conduct a question poll on my Instagram asking, "What is a regret you have," and was pleasantly surprised by the numerous meaningful responses I received. Presented below are the top 5 regrets that resonated with many individuals, along with some of my personal regrets.

Regret: Not Traveling Abroad

Goal: Travel More

One of the biggest regrets I have from my college years is not traveling more. I had the chance to go abroad several times, visiting Ireland and Italy for short periods, but I missed out on other opportunities due to fear of change. I had long planned to spend a semester in Australia, but it never materialized. Rather than dwelling on this as a regret, I am reframing it as a goal - to explore as much and as widely as possible. Traveling not only broadens my horizons in terms of locations, but also exposes me to different cultures, people, lifestyles, and opportunities. Meeting new people is a significant aspect of traveling. Through my missionary trips to Haiti, for instance, I connected with friends I had known since childhood but never interacted with due to academic and social circles. While the people you meet may come from distant places, they could also be right in your own community. Moreover, I have discovered that traveling has been a profound learning experience about myself. It may sound cliché, but the concept of "finding oneself" is real, and I urge everyone to embrace it. Instead of hesitating over opportunities presented to me, I am now committed to seizing them. Take my word for it.

Regret: Living the Life Others Want Me to Live

Goal: Set Goals, Accomplish Them. Be Your Own Person!

Many individuals face challenges when trying to integrate into social circles, which may involve altering their appearance, behavior, and social circle. They may feel pressured to participate in specific sports or activities to meet societal expectations or conform to certain norms, even allowing their parents to dictate their choice of college. Some may refrain from certain outfits or socializing with particular individuals due to their partner's disapproval, all of which can be considered as unhealthy relationships. While the people around you can greatly influence your life, ultimately, you know yourself best. It is important to be true to yourself and not succumb to external pressures. Prioritizing self-care and personal fulfillment has brought me greater happiness. I no longer hesitate to form connections with individuals based on their background or age; my happiness is paramount. By focusing on my personal growth and aspirations, I have achieved more than ever before. I am pursuing my passion for writing, taking charge of my own path (stay tuned for more on that), and forming unexpected friendships. By setting goals and staying committed to them, you can realize your aspirations and fulfill what truly matters to you.

Regret: Taking Special Moments for Granted

Goal: Focus on the Little Things

There are times when we behave like rebellious teenagers, resisting family interactions or tasks requested by our mothers. Failing to bid farewell to loved ones before it's too late, missing opportunities to spend time with those we cherish, and not capturing enough memories with our loved ones can all be regretful experiences. These moments are irreversible and irreplaceable. Throughout our daily lives, there are instances that hold significance, even if we fail to recognize them. For example, a simple smile at an elderly lady in the supermarket could evoke memories of her grandchild whom she hasn't seen in months. Allowing a driver to merge in front of you may alleviate the stress of someone having a rough day. While these gestures may seem insignificant to us, they can have a profound impact on those around us.

Don't waste your time in anger, regrets, worries, and grudges. Life is too short to be unhappy.

Roy T. Bennett

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Corinthians 7:10 (NIV)

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