IF only I could turn back time…
Regrets are memories that make you wish you had chosen differently. These are the missed opportunities that bring sorrow, deep longing, and disappointment for both the things you did and didn’t do in the past.
It’s mentally heartbreaking knowing that those moments continue to haunt you despite having no power to change them. Time doesn’t stop for anyone. Life keeps moving, even if you mess up or do something you didn’t mean to, the only thing that remains is your what-ifs, and what could have been. And while regrets may never fully disappear, it can be overcome. Here are a few people who have regrets in different areas of their lives and how they found the strength to move forward.
Relationships
“One of the things I regret the most, and I just recently overcame, is my past actions that severed the relationships I once had with people who have been good to me, and with the one person who is always there and cared for me, even in my lowest,” Ray shared with Republicasia.
He said that despite the things they have done for him. Ray betrayed their kindness and left without explanation, resulting in unfulfilled promises. Instead of regretting his actions, he indulges himself in the things that make him happy; however, it doesn’t fill the void he left behind. It simply prolonged his regrets and made them heavier.
In his experience, it took him three years to finally confront those regrets. What helped him overcome them was recognizing what he did wrong and what he should have done differently. After identifying the problem, he took accountability for the people he hurt and acted wrongly. It helps him to move forward instead of dwelling in the past, hindering his personal development.
In the end, he said that it is better to be mindful of things and not let emotions take over, so there will be no regrets and unburned bridges.
School
“I do have regrets—especially about my studies. When I see my batch mates who have already graduated. I get a lot of “what ifs” in my head whenever I see their graduation posts. Like, what if I didn’t stop? What if I chose to continue studying? That’s one of the biggest regrets in my life, because if I hadn’t stopped, I probably would’ve graduated by now.” Ben told Republicasia.
He said that he had been stuck in that mindset for months, and his thoughts were eating him up. Ben shared that he once tried to deactivate his social media account, but he couldn’t go through with it. He thought it wouldn’t help him overcome the problem.
To rise above his circumstances, he began by accepting the truth and facing the consequences of his decisions. He confronted the situation head-on. When he saw his classmates graduating, he congratulated them and told himself, “One day, it’ll be my turn.”
He also chose to focus on the present and the future, knowing that dwelling on the past would only keep him stuck and unable to move forward.
During that time, Ben learned a lot. He realized the importance of not making impulsive decisions, how one wrong move can have a lasting impact and lead to regret. He also emphasized the need to think things through carefully and avoid rushing into decisions. Being thoughtful and considering the possible outcomes is essential.
Lastly, he left this message: “Life is not a race. It’s not about who succeeds first. It’s about how strong you are in facing life’s challenges.”
Career
“I regret not being able to level up.” Jhe shared with Republicasia.
He said that not being able to graduate from college has held him back from getting promoted at work. He tried his best in his job, but eventually, he realized that effort alone wasn’t enough, a degree plays a significant role. He shared that he wishes he could land a job he really wants, one with a better salary. However, over time, he came to appreciate the work he has. It’s actually related to what he studied in school–computers.
He overcame his regret by learning to accept his situation, even if a promotion isn’t possible. He still earns minimum wage with some overtime pay, the work isn’t stressful, and the environment is good. And for him, that means a lot.
In the end, he shared, “As long as you know how to get along with others and be content, you can be happy wherever you go.”
Regrets are a part of life, and no matter how much you wish you could, you can’t erase them. They belong to the past, and you don’t have the power to change what’s already been done. But what you do have is the present and the future. There’s still time for you to chase your dreams and create moments that are truly worth remembering.
When you feel like you’ve already lost everything, and that you’ll never be able to move forward from your regrets, take a moment and look at yourself. You can do this. Have faith in God and believe in yourself. It’s never too late to choose a different path. Everything starts with you. So, what will you choose?
