Regret

Who is it that we are trying to fool with our display of excellence? Our boss? Our friends? Ourselves? Or does arrogance come from an innocent place? Perhaps the weight of perfection has been placed by an unknown hand. Perhaps we aren’t aware of our own parade. Regardless of its source, this performance is exhausting. Luckily, there is an unsuspecting remedy.

Regret is an acceptance of our imperfect nature. When we detach from our sense of superiority, we can stop defending every action we take. When we stop forcedly fitting every event into a hero’s flawless narrative, we can finally admit what we got wrong, and what we can do better next time.

“But all your experiences have made you who you are today!”

And why am I so great?

Regret is the recognition of the near impossibility that we have made every right choice to maximize our potential. The best version of ourselves has already sailed—but there are still many good options remaining on the shore.

We live each moment for the first time. Have some grace for yourself and for others. Be content with the path you have taken, and the myriad of those you have yet to. Reflect and regret often, learn from your mistakes, and tread humbly in their wake.