Regret

Mistakes. We make them everyday. Be they significant or otherwise, we're bound to cause unintended harm to others as well as ourselves. It happens.

At times, we can forget these mistakes. Brush them aside for what they are. Mere mistakes. Yet sometimes, we make errors that are irreparable and unforgettable. We begin to regret our actions that had led to the committing of such mistakes. It's unavoidable.

There is nothing left for us to do then, but to regret it.

To regret is a sign of reflection. It shows that you remember. In remembering you will learn. Powerful regret may steer you away from making the same mistake again. In fact, it may even cause you to avoid such a situation in future at all costs. It becomes a drive and motivation for you.

It has always been an agent for change within us. Guilt and remorse is capable of culling or raising the spirits of the person; Depending on how he or she reacts to the pain. It could make you, or break you.

The feeling of wanting to die. As if you've committed a grave sin and ought to be punished for it. Or perhaps escape from whatever punishment awaits you because of it. Or wishing perhaps that you could forget it. Pretend it never happened at all.

Forgetting. Yes. That is a very tempting alternative to regret. It would be so much easier to do so. But to forget, is empty

Regret it. Don't forget it. Within regret exists wisdom. Most careful is the person full of regret. Most knowledgable is the one who learns from his mistakes. With each passing mistake and error, comes a lesson learnt. How could you learn if you suppress and forget?

Wisdom. That is the mark of regret. That is the scar it leaves.

Most wise and kind is the regretful man. He remembers the pain.

It takes strength and courage to feel regret. And even more so to live with that mistake engraved within your heart. To remember it and learn from it. And it takes kindness to do something about it. To let this dark feeling in your heart be the fuel for you to lead yourself to repentance and self-trancendence. To improve yourself and become a better person, in the eyes of friends and God.

But beware, too much regret could only lead to torture. Do not beat yourself down with the weight of your past. Rather, use it to build yourself up. Be the man who lifts his weights, not drag them.

Always remember that regret is kindness. Regret is care. It is a lesson that comes after great pain and anguish. It is born from the bowels of great mistakes. Learn from these mistakes, do not dwell upon them. Move on.

As a friend of mine once said:

We live in the present, not the past. - Asraf Basri

Be strong. Have faith. Let not past sins ruin your future. Learn to regret. Regret to learn.