It would be hypocrisy if I’d say I wouldn’t want to change anything in the past if given the opportunity. There were actions, decisions, and occurrences in the past that made me feel regretful – that I do not deny.
On the other hand, no matter how seemingly convenient time-turning could be, it could actually be fatal for people. Why? We, humans, learn through experience and especially from mistakes we commit. We can grow and develop our personalities and characters, which allow us to survive the ever-changing world because of all our experiences, good and bad – without exception. If we can go back in time to correct mistakes or avoid certain events from happening, we would definitely not grow. And, would life be fun that way? I don’t think so.
It is not entirely wrong to feel regretful about the past, nor is it a sin to wish for time to be revisited. We are entitled to have such a feeling and desire. However, obsessing over that regret by constantly thinking about it is definitely not good. Instead of focusing on improvement, our minds become busy with unnecessary thoughts. We can use those incidents, though, not as material for a pity party, but for making a plan and improving ourselves.
For instance, one of the things I regret the most is not spending more time with my grandparents. Needless to say, if I could go back in time, I would definitely give them more time, learn more from their life experience, and show them my love and care. This shortcoming made me realize that we may suddenly lose the people we love, so we must make sure to make them feel our love before it’d be too late for us to express our feelings. Through this experience, I decided to put in extra effort to be closer to my family and friends amidst my busy schedule.
Another decision that I would have wanted to change was spending time doing meaningless things. There had been many times when I lost focus on my studies and my work. Because of those, I lost several opportunities. After regretting my actions back then, I decided to always focus on the essential things and avoid distractions so that I wouldn’t regret missing opportunities.
Besides previous actions and decisions, I would want to turn back time to choose who I surround myself with. A lot of my mistakes in the past were caused by bad influences. If I could go back in time, I would choose to be around people who have a positive mindset to make sound decisions as well. Yet again, through this experience, I learned that I need to stay away from toxic people.
Indeed, if I could go back in time, I would correct all of these choices and more. Indeed, I regretted making all those decisions and actions. Indeed, I could only wish. Yet, I embrace this feeling of regret because it opened my eyes to many lessons about life. Therefore, I am and will always be grateful for those past experiences. Besides, if I go back to the past and change one thing, I will not be where I am today.
How about you? If you could go back in time, what would you want to change?
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