But I’m sure we all do. We all somehow move past our regrets everyday and never stare them in the face again. I think that’s great to do, but at the same time, I like to reflect upon my regrets in life as a reminder. To learn from and move on.
I regret never saying I love you to family that I have lost. Growing up, I was never taught to express myself with words. Not even a hug. I guess you can call it growing up in our culture. I don’t ever blame my parents on how I was raised, because that was what they knew. Saying I love you is something so simple to do and that’s why whenever I have a chance, I never forget to remind my loved ones of just that.
I regret not applying to art school out of high school. So I went to business school instead and regretted every single day of it. I was so big into art, but which kid wasn’t. They had us drawing stuff and doing arts and crafts the second we stepped into school. But some gave it up and I kept going with it. My dream was to draw comics for Marvel. And still is actually.
I regret not picking up a camera early in life. Not just for business, but to take photos of my grandparents, who I miss very much now. We never had a close connection like some others do. Partly due to language and partly due to me not making the time. That’s why now when I see grandparents at weddings, I make sure to take photos of them.
I regret not being more social growing up. Remember that quiet kid that walked the hallways, with glasses and braces and always looked at the floors when he walks? Sadly true, that was me believe it or not. Shyness for me came easy, but making new friends was the hard part. We can include my non-existent dating life as well. It’s funny how just a little bit of self confidence was all I needed. Ha.. I’m saying that to my former self.. ha!
I regret my need to voice my opinion in every conversation. I’m a really nice guy and I’m sure I have many friends and family to attest to that. And I know I can’t make everyone happy. I’m sure I can annoy people with my continuous “I know everything attitude”, but for the most part when I speak of something, it’s through my own experiences. I don’t mean to say that I’m all knowing, because I’m not. So if you ever chat with me, remember I have your bests interests at heart.
I regret buying large family sized stuff at Costco. Ok, this one isn’t as serious, but I do regret it. We hate being wasteful and sometimes, food goes bad and it is wasted. I can hear my elementary school teacher saying in my ear, “Think about all those hungry children out there!”.
So I intended this post to be semi therapy for myself. I figured it’s great to just let it out sometimes. So if you’re reading this and want to share your regrets, please do so. You can be anonymous too and not have to regret it. “I’m human, hear me roar!”
Or if you just came here to see a pretty picture, here you go. Taken just a few days ago when the moon was out at sunset.
7 comments
Todd Good - Thanks for sharing Brian! Honestly is rare to find in people!
David of DavidHam - Thanks for your openness Brian. I am sure we all can relate in one way or another.
Elizabeth Luna - aww Thanks for sharing this Brian and for that warm and fuzzy welcoming hug you gave me when we first meet, although it was brief I sure appreciate you big time. I too come from a back ground were showing emotions was not second nature so I feel you I can relate!
I had to break that old nature and mindset especially when I had my own children.
So thank you Brian in reminded me. You’re a sweetheart don’t ever change. And I don’t even know you that well! Your soon to be bride is so blessed to have you in her life. Kudos to you Brian.
Elizabeth
connieMchung - awww. this was such a sweet post. and i completely know where you’re coming from in terms of socializing and being shy. and i seriously regret not picking up a camera a few years back when my dad had cancer. i didn’t even have a point & shoot. my heart aches with regret… which is why i love taking pictures for everybody. now only if i had a full time camera man following me around.
Shaimarie - First let me say I love your work…amazing!!! The one regret that I have would be not studying musical theatre in college. I changed my major 3 times before settling on marketing. I completely understand where you are coming from, however we all learn to grow from our mistakes and we all become better people because of them. The shoulda’ coulda’ woulda’ song will drive a person crazy. Thanks for sharing…
Ajira - It is wonderful how you open your heart and lay your soul bare. I find it cathartic to write as well. Thank you for sharing yourself so honestly. Regrets are weighty baggage. Whenever I find myself bogged down with them I like to remind myself that I have this moment, and the coming moments and it’s best to actually live in the present so I don’t create any more regrets!
Emilie - Great post! Thanks for this!
I join you on regret #3: I regret to not have fulfilled my dreams sooner (excuse my bad English, I’m French! LOL). I’m a creative person and I’ve been stuck in a job that I dislike since I am 19 years old (I have a master degree in law). And this is not me! I’ve always wanted to have a more creative job, but I never dared to do it. Today, at 29 years old, I’m happy to say I’m an amateur photographer who will be a professional photographer very soon.
Emilie