“Many times in life I’ve regretted the things I’ve said without thinking, But I’ve never regretted the things I’ve said nearly as much as the words I’ve left unspoken” Lisa Kleypas
Now that the new year has begun and the flurry of celebrations has calmed down, you may have found time to reflect on the year that has gone and consider the year ahead. Have you identified regret about what happened last year? Regret is a strong emotion and something worth digging into so that it doesn’t accompany you into the new year. It is associated with shame and can limit us from living with a sense of freedom and peace.
You can regret what you have done or what you have not done, but wished you had. The same principle applies to what we say. The words that we speak can cause regret as much as those we did not have the courage to voice. This is especially so in end of life situations. Unwise timing, allowing our emotions to take over so that we don’t articulate ourselves in the way that we hoped and not taking an opportunity to express ourselves are all cause for regret. Regret is a common feeling. None of us respond perfectly every time. However, you can do something about regret, and live with less of it.
If feeling regretful resonates with you, counselling can provide a space to bring your regrets out of the dark and into the light where they can be explored. Putting language to your regrets reduces their power and can help you reach acceptance. Entering the new year with a sense of peace, strength and the ability to move forward free of regret is a good place to be.
Happy New Year. May it be one of less regret.
