I was reading an online newspaper article the other day where the writer asked people of a certain age to reflect over their lives so far and recount the things they had done well, the things they had not done well, and what they had learned along the way. The request seemed simple enough. But, when you really begin to review your life the report you come up with might surprise you.
He recounted some life reviews he saw in a college alumni publication and marveled that some of the responses received were inspiring and some seemed to be filled with overwhelming regret. Such is the case when involved in deep introspection. This assessment from a college professor is a perfect example: “I am stubborn, cold, selfish, and resentful of being corrected or opposed. I also wish that a course in parenting had been required of all of us at Yale.” Heavy stuff indeed!
But what I found interesting was that people who selected the safe route for their lives seemed to express the most regret. They had been
driven by the desire for routine and looking back regretted all the things not done. And, the people who were the most restless and willing to strike out in a different direction for their lives came across as the most interesting. Their sense of passion added excitement to the recounting of their lives. For these people no one regretted the changes that they made, even when they failed at their endeavor.
I tried the exercise over the weekend and mentally looked back over my life so far and was amazed at the things I regarded as triumphs, significant points, and things I wished I could go back and do over (like resisting my fear of heights and going on a hot air balloon ride while once in New Mexico).
And so, as the author challenged me I will challenge you as well. Sit down and write a few paragraphs to detail a life report for yourself. What are the things you feel you have done well? What are the things you still struggle to incorporate into your life. And finally, what are some of the things you have learned along the way in your journey? You might surprise yourself!