Regret is a funny thing

The other day I was thinking about some friends of mine and the times we spent together when I was in my early twenties. There was a group of eight of us that did practically everything together. I was thinking about what a great time in my life that was...but then as I started thinking about my early twenties, I also realized that I did a lot of things during those years that I regret. Stupid things that are embarrassing to think about now -- things I might change if I could.

Which led me to this...regret is a funny, funny thing. Sure you can regret small things like a bad perm or something mean that you said. But can you regret larger life decisions that have led you to where you are right now? If it's something extreme like a bad addiction, of course I say yes. But if it's a job that you took or a move to a new town -- isn't there always things that come from these choices that you don't regret?

For example...when I was 20, I moved out of state for someone I was dating. Certain aspects of my move seem like a huge mistake when I look back. I was back home within three short months. But some things came out of that move that have put me where I am today. I learned so much about myself in that time. I also was forced to move out of comfort zone I had been in. When I returned home, I got a job that I was sure was temporary and ended up doing it for 11 years. Met some great friends, a few of whom I would consider very influential in my life. So do I regret that move...I guess not, even though thinking about certain aspects of that time makes me wish I had made some different choices.

There are aspects of my life right now that some days make me think, "Man I wish I could change this -- go back and start over." But then I realize, if I could do that, what other aspects of my life would be totally different? Things that I don't necessarily want to change. I guess if you have faith and believe God has a plan for you, then you just have to accept what life hands you and try to make the best decisions possible along the way. I do believe everything happens for a reason. It's not always clear why at the time, but somewhere along the way you end up figuring it out. Good or bad.

I probably sound like a scary version of Dr. Phil today ~ for that I apologize! I guess this is just my little reminder to myself to embrace things for the good that has come out of them, instead of focusing on the bad. Regrets are a part of life, but if you can learn and move on, they aren't always a bad thing.