Do you have regrets? I used to confidently say “no,” because I felt that everything I’ve done in my life, the biggest and smallest mistakes I’ve made, have been learning opportunities and have brought me to where I am today. But if I really look at my life, I have a lot of regrets. And maybe, just maybe, that’s a good thing.
But is there value in regrets? Many people subscribe, like I had, to the “No Regrets” belief. As I learn more about regrets, the pain they cause and the amazing growth that’s possible with regret, I see that I’ve been on the path, sort of. It turns out, embracing regret might be the key to unlocking a more fulfilling life.
I’m reading Daniel Pink’s book, “The Power of Regret.” It is eye opening. He says, “regret is not dangerous or abnormal but healthy, universal and integral to being human. Regret is valuable, it clarifies, instructs, can lift us up, not drag us down.” Think of it as a compass, guiding you toward a better future.
He also states that a ‘no regrets’ attitude prevents people from doing the difficult work that produces genuine contentment. Are you truly content, or just settling?
As I’m reading this book, I can relate to all of it. Why? Because this is the work I’ve been doing for years, not just around regret, but self-discovery, unearthing stuff from the past that may have worked when I was younger but no longer serves me. It’s about shedding the old skin to reveal the vibrant you underneath.
I believe we all have stuff from our past that, if dealt with, could change our lives in a big way. The question is, are you brave enough to do the work? What if facing your regrets could be the most liberating thing you ever do?
It may feel scary but, honestly, the only way out (meaning out from under the weight of old beliefs, ideas, thoughts and behaviors from the past) is through – to face the work head on and step by step, to make changes that will bring your life into a different focus, allow you to truly step into a better tomorrow and live the life you really desire. Imagine a life where your past empowers you, instead of holding you back.
This is why I created Inside Out: A Different Approach to Life and Health, to help guide women like you through the process of letting go of the past in order to create the life you truly want now. Inside Out isn’t just a program; it’s a journey to rediscovering your authentic self.
Join my free conversation later this month on Inside Out: A Different Approach to Life and Health. Ready to rewrite your story? Click here to learn more and sign up
With gratitude,
Elaine L Stewart, CHC
