I still remember it vividly. A group activity in our Group Dynamics class in college. We were asked to share whatever regrets we had, and to tell how we're dealing with it.
When it was the turn of my old bud, Chad, to share his, he said, "I've got none. I have no regrets."
I was surprised by his answer. Everyone, at some point, must have taken a bad decision which made a critical impact to his/her life. Everyone makes mistakes. I thought, there's no way for this guy to not have any single memory of having f*cked up.
When asked why he thought he doesn't have one, he said these words: "I make most out of everything. I am not afraid to make mistakes, because it's all part of it. I am not afraid to try, because you'll never know unless you give it a chance. I don't want to think of the "what ifs"; I take decisions based on how I feel and what I think at that moment. What is done is done, and I'm here now because of everything that I went through."
You see, this guy led a unique life. He had to transfer from one country to another due to the demands of his family's situation. As such, he had to constantly adapt to everything. There's no given certainty that he's going to stay at one place, so he did all his best to make most out of everything that he encountered.
Uncertainty can be a rather difficult thing to deal with for some people, me included.
Last year, I was told that there are stones in my gallbladder. It can be fatal if not treated, but I made the necessary procedures to at least lessen the chances of it killing me. Earlier this year, Dad lost his job, unfortunately on short notice. Once again, we were not prepared for it, given the fact that Dad is in incredibly good standing with the company. About two months ago, I've contracted Dengue, a rather dangerous disease that could have gotten me, if only I didn't notice the rashes in my skin. And finally, just a few days ago, I was told that my Mom developed mioma and that she would need surgery soon.
Of course, I don't want to just ponder on the bad things. I recently got transferred to the job I really like to be in, and I've met a wonderful person in Kakat. I never expected all these things to happen; everything seemed to have no assurance.
But there's one thing I am sure of. I, too, don't want to have any regrets.
It's one of the reasons why I do all that I can to live my life to the fullest. It’s one of the reasons why I love with all my heart. We are not
sure if we will be given another chance to show our loved ones how much we care for them. I don’t want to waste any time. I don’t want to have any regrets.
Everyday, we are given the chance to feel what we want to feel, to pursue what we want to pursue, and to be whoever we want to be. No one said it would be easy - there is a chance you'll make mistakes and there's a chance you'll get hurt. But these things should never stop us from continuing with our lives. If anything, they should serve as lessons to empower us and reminders of what it is that we truly value.
As for now, I'm taking all the chances I can have to make a special someone happy. I'm doing all I can to support my family. I'm dedicating a considerable amount of effort in my job, so I'll be successful one day. All these, for living a life with no regrets.
Quite a dramatic post, I should admit. But then again, it's good to keep things in check. Think about all that you've read for a minute. Perhaps you'll find a way to live your life too, without having to regret anything.
Stay classy, planet Earth!
- Billy
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