Haunted by Regrets?

Haunted by Regrets?

Regret is born when a strong disconnect exists between what you want or value versus... what you did or didn't do.

A few common causes of regret include:

  1. Missed Opportunities: Regret often stems from not seizing an opportunity that was available, whether that be in relationships, career, or personal growth. You could have won a prestigious award, but applying would have taken two weekends of your time and you never even tried. (Someone vastly less accomplished than you won.)
  2. Fear-Based Decisions: Making choices out of fear—such as fear of failure, rejection, or uncertainty—can lead to regret because those decisions often don’t align with your true desires. You had a chance to get promoted to a big job, but you said, "I don't think I'm ready" and as a result, leadership has labelled you as lacking sufficient confidence.
  3. Living for Others: Following a path based on other people's expectations—such as societal pressure or family desires—rather than your own values can lead to deep regret. The number of people who are doctors or lawyers to please their parents probably numbers in the millions.
  4. Unresolved Relationships: Failing to mend relationships, express feelings, or show appreciation can cause regret, particularly near the end of life. (If you haven't spoken to your parent or sibling in over a year, call them today.)
  5. Lack of Authenticity: Not living in alignment with one's true self, or being too concerned with fitting in, can lead to a sense of regret for not fully embracing one’s unique identity and desires. I speak from experience, and spent ten years taking abstract photographs before I showed one to anyone outside my home.
  6. Neglecting Health and Well-being: People often regret ignoring their physical or mental well-being, realizing too late the impact on their quality of life. When I say "people," I mean 80% of the human population. Instant gratification (i.e. dessert) wins beats long-term health, night after night after night.

Ultimately, regret is often caused by decisions—or indecisions—that conflict with your deeper sense of purpose, passion, or values.

Even if you take nothing else from this newsletter, please remember this:

To avoid regret at the end of your life, take action NOW.

The Path to a Life Without Regrets...

Many of us, myself included, have wandered through life like Jeffy, the little boy from Bil Keane's comic strip—curious, exploring, but sometimes directionless. Over the years, I've embraced this journey of creative exploration and self-discovery. But now, a new chapter begins, and with it comes a clear focus: living a life with zero regrets.

As a reader of this newsletter, you’ve been with me on this wandering journey, but now, I’m inviting you to join me on an even more purposeful, transformative path.

My mission is clear: Help you reach the end of your life with no regrets, fully at peace and ready for whatever comes next.

That’s why I'm offering a paid edition of my Bend Reality newsletter, designed to help you make this vision a reality.

Why Subscribe?

Living without regrets doesn't happen by accident. It requires intentional focus, effort, and a willingness to challenge your deepest assumptions. Over the next year, the paid version of Bend Reality will focus on six transformative principles to help you navigate this journey:

  1. Learn to Unlearn – Let go of what no longer serves you, and make room for new growth.
  2. Practice Self-Compassion – Move beyond guilt and self-criticism to live with greater peace.
  3. Be Expansive, Not Contractive – Act from a place of love, not fear.
  4. Embrace Uncertainty – Cultivate resilience and empowerment in the face of life’s unpredictability.
  5. Transformation Through Realization – Discover the deep truths already within you.
  6. Expect Miracles – Open yourself to the mysterious and the miraculous.

Each edition of the newsletter will dive deeply into one of these principles, giving you the tools, insights, and inspiration to live a life without regrets.

More importantly, I am committed to building a true community, in which you will be able to connect with other expansive souls committed to doing the work alongside you.

CLICK HERE to learn more...

Krista Tressa RPh, BCGP

Chief Copywriting Officer & CEO of CaringMessenger Copywriting/Christ-Centered/Upside-Down Eternal Lens Leadership

4 个月

So true, Bruce. Indecision is a decision. Our life is made up of choices. The number one way to get unstuck from a life you aren’t enjoying is to take action. Perfectly imperfect action will do?? But take action. One small step forward. It will spring board you to the next action step. Everyone is responsible for their own spiritual development. I think this lack of awareness keeps people rather lifeless. They keep looking to the world for something or someone to fill up their void. Stir yourself up. Seek truth out. Be curious. Get up, dust off, and start living?????? No regrets.

Saeed Purcell

Owner of Bro Saeed Consulting LLC; dedicated to educating and engaging diverse communities through Da'wah

4 个月

Love this; looking forward to continuing the journey with you Bruce Kasanoff

Maureen Wixon (Relationship Building)

Family Therapist, Specialist Gender, Culture, Life Enhancing Skills for Women, Families, Relationships, Mindfulness, Author. #SelfCare #Relationships #Communication #Mental Health, #EQuality, #GGAF #United Way award

4 个月

Bruce appreciate you highlighting regrets, especially when accompanied by guilt. When we have healthy regrets they are understandable, informative, healing with compassion. ??????

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