It was a beautiful afternoon in Coimbatore, in the deep South of India. Sitting on the grass with my dear friend Jai and many college students, we conversed about entrepreneurship, startups, education, ideas and the future for over an hour. I was having a great time, but it was time to close the circle. Nobody wanted to leave, though. And while the sun was slowly setting, the conversation became more personal.
"What are your biggest regrets?" a student asked.
The question surprised me. But the thoughts it kindled surprised me even more. As I pondered, a sense of deep contentment washed over me.
I couldn't think of any regrets.
Inevitably, I've encountered disappointment, failure, and even heartbreak. I made terrible choices and painful mistakes. Yet, these experiences, while difficult at times, have shaped me into who I am today. So, instead of dwelling on regrets, I view my past as a collection of valuable lessons. Every stumble, misstep, and even triumph has played a crucial role in my journey. I choose to see all of them as stepping stones that led me to where I am today.
This doesn't imply complacency or a belief that my life is flawless. There are still aspects I strive to improve and areas where I yearn for growth. However, I've embraced the understanding that even the unpleasant experiences have shaped me, instilled valuable lessons, and ultimately contributed to the person I've become.
That conversation made me realize that regrets often reveal more about our present state than our past. They can serve as signposts, pointing towards areas in our lives that may require reevaluation or adjustment. Examining them doesn't entail self-pity or resentment but rather an invitation to delve deeper and identify potential changes that could lead to a more fulfilling future.
So, what about you? Do you have regrets? What are they trying to tell you about your present? Are they nudging you towards a different path or a potential for personal evolution?
The answers you uncover might surprise you and empower you to take the next step on your unique journey.
Thank you. I feel I can hold regret on the one hand but use it to guide me to future me. On the one hand I understand that all the bad mistakes I've made,all the self-destructive behaviour, I needed to make to make me who I am now and what I want to become. In that sense I regret none of it. Do I regret that in the past I wasn't a mature masculine eg in my marriage? Absolutely I do. The two co-exist
This is a story of mine as well :)