As we get closer and more immersed in the holiday season, we naturally feel nostalgic and thankful for the relationships and memories that we have made. However, as easy as it is to get caught up in the holiday spirit, often times we also find ourselves reflecting upon those relationships that became astray for any reason. With New Year's Eve just around the corner, many hold onto the hope of starting fresh as another year approaches. People, like myself, have unrealistic expectations and goals for the upcoming year.
This time of the year, is indeed "the most wonderful time." Maybe it's the fuzzy socks, hot chocolate with extra marshmallows, lights and decorations, or just the kindred spirits. Yet, there's something in the air that makes me think of all the things that I'm thankful for and the mistakes that I've made and have come to regret. Regret and mistakes is an inevitable part of life that makes us who we are. It's sometimes hard to let go of the mistakes that you have made or those that others close to you have made that hurt you. One of the hardest lessons in life to learn is that people are not meant to be in your life forever. People change and friendships evolve and sometimes, just sometimes things don't work out they way you had envisioned. After awhile, it dawns on you..the regret that haunts you for not fighting for whatever you lost. Through it all though, you realize that where you are now in life is exactly where you are supposed to be. So maybe things worked out the way they were supposed to and that makes it a little easier to move on.
But what is regret? Why does it seem too familiar?
It's a natural feeling and emotion that one experiences at least once or twice in someone's lifetime. Or in mine case, more times than I wanted.
Is it giving up on a sport you once invested so much time, energy, and passion into?
Is it cutting your losses in a toxic friendship or relationship?
Or is it always coming back to your familiarity and comfort zone?
To be honest, I don't really know what it is.
What I do know, is that I have so much to be thankful for and holding onto any regret only weighs one down. After so long that weight can eventually encourage you to continue to build your walls up too high. So during this season, focus on what you are most thankful for and how far you have come.
"sometimes we hate ourselves for the feelings we ignore. maybe that's the problem, we don't listen to ourselves until it's too late." R.M. Drake
xoxo,
cgl
