On old Cherokee proverb states “Do not let yesterday use up too much of today.” This simple bit of wisdom can go a long way when understood properly. Particularly when traveling the sphere of regret.
Regret comes to us in many forms; from simple wishes on decisions we should have made, to hindsight on important decisions that make some shake their head and pound their fist at the mere thought. Regret plays a crucial role in thoughts of lost loves, hasty emotional choices, missed opportunities and the dreaded “what if’s” of life. This sphere is traveled often by all human beings. It deserves recognition in the present moment, but not complete attention.
I look at regret in terms of both attachment and detachment. Sure, many times I wonder “what if” I chose differently. I also realize that all my decisions have led me to my current sphere. Should I have chose differently, I could be somewhere else, entertaining different thoughts, or not. The fact is that I’m here, now, and what is done is done. I choose to learn from it; finding the lessons within the experience rather than dwell on a situation that can never be changed. Looking at the choice that I wish to have made, I find the wisdom to confront similar situations in the future and that is all.
I circumvent the sphere of regret. I only acknowledge that it is there, and give it respect for the wisdom it has imparted along my journey. This simple frame of thought echoes the Cherokee proverb. In the statement: “Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today” the phrase “too much” must be given special attention.
Give attention to these emotions, learn from these experiences and let them go. Recognize and accept that you will feel these emotions; this pondering of “what if.” But don’t let these thoughts take up “too much” of your time today; only enough time to offer acceptance.
Know that the sphere of regret exists, but do not tramp in it. Instead, let it be a footprint of thought; a simple impression; a marker acknowledging wisdom gained along the path.
HeartSphere 
“Looking at the choice that I wish to have made, I find the wisdom to confront similar situations in the future and that is all.”
This one line says it all. It’s the “and that is all” part that resonates. I might post these four words in front of me as a reminder.
Glad to hear. I often do myself π
Apropos of today’s topic, here’s a link to a story I wrote on the subject:
http://klurgsheld.wordpress.com/2007/06/10/regret/
Well said…..and uncommonly sensible…. π
great approach to handling human tendencies to hold onto past events…thanks for sharing!
Thank you! ANd thank you for adding my thoughts to your post as well π
Excellent. I’ll be using this daily, “Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today”. Thank you.
My pleasure! Best wishes π
This is so true. Thank you. To me what if is another way of believing we can control what has already occured. Maybe it’s OK if you are thinking in terms of the future, like if you’re trying to learn from your experiences.
My motto (and previous pen name) is “no regrets”. Glad to have found someone who could put that approach so eloquently in words.
Thank you. A very wise motto to have π
I agree. Time was and is indispensable. The Cherokee understood that uncomplicated actuality.
However, I opine we arrive at similar denouements by disparate trajectories, but, as the senescent proverb goes, “All roads lead to Rome.”
Thank you. Peace, Phil
Wonderful reflection. Thanks for following me.
I’d say, we should all keep hope so we end up with the right regrets.
Two things we should all live by.
1. If it’s good, it’s wonderful
2. If it’s bad, it’s experience
Great post, as usual : )
Thank you for stopping by my blog this morning. If you hadn’t I probably would not have seen this post and trust me when I say that I am so glad that I did!
“Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today” is a quote that I will take with me and use over and over. It says it all, especially on the days like I had today.
Thanks again! I look forward to following your blog π
I agree.
I would like to add, though, that sometimes the consequences take a long time to process…
Very true. To process and to accept can take hours, or a lifetime.
Thanks for a great post to live by! Peace!
Lots of wisdom here, in both the post and comments. I hope I can retain a bit of it and avoid lapsing too often into regret.
One man was so full of regret,
He hated what he didn’t get;
What he failed to do,
Plagued him thru and thru,
He just couldn’t seem to forget.
Compliments of Humorous Interludes
Well said! π
This reminded me of a great TED speech about regret by Kathryn Schulz:
βThe point isnβt to live without any regrets. The point is not to hate ourselves for having them…we need to learn to love the flawed, imperfect things that we create, and to forgive ourselves for creating them.β
Your picture shows you to be a young man, however your writings prove you to be wise beyond your years. It is always a pleasure to read someone who has something inspiring to say. And you certainly are inspiring. I will enjoy coming back for more.