Living with Regrets

Many of us have made wrong choices or mistakes in our lives. Some may have married the wrong person, chosen the wrong career, gotten in trouble with the law, or become alienated from their family. None of us lead perfect lives, and we all need second chances, or maybe third. Even if we can’t undo our decisions, we depend on the support of others to carry us through the difficult times.

There is nothing that is unredeemable. We need to stop beating ourselves up and find a way to move past our mistakes. I’ve heard of people who earn a degree in prison and are able to start jobs or careers when they are released. There are many divorced people who find a second partner with whom to share their lives. There are those who flounder a while in miserable jobs and eventually find new opportunities. And sometimes families can be reunited when some circumstance brings them together again.

Often because of insecurity or low self-esteem or immaturity, we make a bad decision. And sometimes lack of confidence or lack of opportunity hold us back. We need to understand that we made the best choice we could at that time in our lives. We have to learn to forgive ourselves, which is often very hard. A friend or counselor can help us understand the reasons behind our bad decisions and find peace.

Wherever we are in our lives, we can be sure of God’s love and acceptance. This security can help us accept the poor decisions we made in the past and move forward.