06/09/2022
The Power Of Regret
Regret is often a sore subject, one that most of us would like to avoid discussing.
However, there is a hidden power in exploring our regrets.
When we think about the things we regret doing, or not doing, at specific times throughout our life, it highlights the things that matter to us. Maybe at the time we didn’t we act because we felt powerless to do so, or we didn’t have the right resources available to us. No matter the reasons, the lessons remain – that thing, upon reflection, mattered to us. If we take that on board it can help us gain clarity about how we do want to show up right now and in the future.
We can take an interest in the emotions that come up when we explore our regrets, which again gives us a greater insight into ourselves. When you think of a personal regret ask yourself:
What emotions come up for you?
What triggers those emotions?
How do those emotions serve you?
Now imagine this - fast forward 10 years from now and look back at how you are living your life TODAY! Does that future you look back and see regrets in the way you are living right now? Does that future you ask why were you doing that, why were you not doing this, you missed that opportunity, you should have spent more time focusing on something different – your health, your children, your wellbeing…? What changes could you make today so that your future you doesn’t look back and see regret?
Reflecting on regrets can be a powerful exercise. Don’t be afraid of your regrets, embrace them, and let them be a guide for change.