From Regret to Growth: Lessons from My Past

Looking back to my time in school those days, there were both big and small regrets I had. Some actions and lifestyle choices I regret doing those days that the memories keep hunting me. "I wished I did it this way; I wish I did it that way" are the common spoken words of regret that flow out from me each time I take a time trip back, but it's all good.

I am living to correct them from happening further, but I am sure that I would have loved it more if I had gotten things more right back then.

One of the regrets I had back in my school days was lack of confidence. Or will I say I feel so much inferior about myself? I didn't believe in myself, and I think it became worse when I confidently answered a question wrongly one day and I got embarrassed by that.

From that point I started hiding under my shadows. I lost confidence in my ability completely. I refused to express myself freely and hid under doubt. I doubted my ability in virtually everything I was doing in school. Even for the question I know very well, I won't say a word due to lack of confidence.

The thing is that no one would beat me for answering questions wrongly, but somehow, the confidence was gone, and I regret not fighting to have it back. I didn’t believe in myself enough to speak even if I wasn't 100 percent correct; after all, trying is all part of gradual growth. Instead, I allowed fear to rob me of opportunities to grow better.

Another regret of those days was the casual way I nurtured friendship. I think I didn't reciprocate with intentionality the friends who cared and showed up for me genuinely. I was more focused on school and church activities and never paid adequate attention to friends who cared so much for me, and that's why I lost a few good souls to date.

The bond wasn't there anymore but just casual greetings , and each time I reflect on how they showed concern several times about me, I regret not displaying the same energy to things that concern them. It's a pity .

But today, I know better; I treasure good friends like gold and ensure to sacrifice what needs to be sacrificed to keep them. Be it my time, resources, love, etc. I know I can't go back to correct my errors of the past in this regard, but I can strive not to have it repeat itself going forward.

Image is mine!