A life without regrets is a life without progress. This is something that has been stuck in my head lately as I try to come to terms with my past and move forward. Part of this year’s theme or mantra for me is to let go of the things that don’t serve me. And a big part of that is to let go of the past. But I still find myself dwelling on those past life regrets, and mentally punishing myself for being so weak, stupid, uninformed, easily manipulated, not always treating people properly, not being the best (insert multiple things here), not taking this or that opportunity, and the list goes on and on.

The thing I need to remember in looking back at those regrets is that I can see them for what they are now because I have grown. Because I have progressed in my life to a point where I can look back and see the person I was and know that I am no longer her. It’s a good thing. I’m moving forward.

Anyway, I’m reading a book, The Abundance Of Less: Lessons In Simple Living From Rural Japan, and in it a women by the name of Atsuko says this…

“Because I’ve made progress since when I was young, that is why I have regrets. People who have made no progress,” she says with something close to derision in her voice, “look back and say, ‘I’m so satisfied with that! My life was wonderful!’” She’s speaking rapidly, with absolute conviction. It’s almost frightening, her intensity. “I can at the very least say that even if it isn’t much, I’ve made some progress.” And then, finally, she adds, in a very sweet voice, “And that’s good. Because I have regrets, I have done well.”

And it was like the Universe was saying, “Hey! You’re on the right path, just push on a bit further.” So yeah, I thought I’d share that message with you as well. If you have regrets, just know that means you have grown, progressed, changed, conquered, defeated, improved, evolved, etc… keep up the good work!

Until next time… be loving, be kind, be better!