The weight of regret
Regret can feel heavy, it reroutes our thoughts, emotions, and even what choices we make. It often stems from lost opportunities, paths not taken or simple mistakes such as losing something important on the day you need it most. Regret has a large impact on the mind and behavior. It can lead to self-doubt and unresolved anxiety and depression. Neurologically speaking, regret activates the brain in certain areas to cause emotional decision making. Which sometimes results in anger towards others. It feels like your feet are tied to a stone while you sink deeper into the ocean and you can’t do anything to stop it. It’s a mental replay of “what if” scenarios that never happened. Or a tingling sensation in your stomach. You may be thinking “ What is my biggest regret?" Is it something small that sits in the corner of your mind? Or is it something much bigger? Something you carry daily? Or something you just started to let go of? Although it may seem daunting, acknowledging this feeling is key.
1.) Avoid suppressing the feeling as it may carry a valuable lesson.
2.) Reflect on your regret without self-punishment.
3.) Consider if you would be the same person without this experience.
I can think of many reasons a person may come to regret something. Not pursuing their passion, letting go of a meaningful relationship, not traveling as much as you wanted. Maybe passing up a big opportunity, losing someone you love and not saying goodbye or just wasting too much time on worrying. The feeling of guilt or shame is normal when speaking on these topics. But when processing the feeling, it will lift the weight off your shoulders and replace it with something new. Regret often turns into a calm mind, the feeling of floating after the weight has been lifted and those lessons have shown themselves to you. Have you forgiven yourself? And if you haven’t…why not? I believe that people need to feel regret before being forgiven, because without forgiveness everyone will suffer the wrath of the weight of regret.
