I really liked one of the #weekend-engagement topics this week so thought I'd give it a try to see if I could string a few thoughts together into something that makes sense. The topic asked what would I regret not doing in life if I was dead.
Obviously if I was dead nothing would matter at all but I understand the topic; it asks about what things I am not doing right now in my life that I might regret later on and like most people there's a few. Although, I think most people wouldn't like to admit to any.
I'd regret not having meaningful relationships with the right people
We all have relationships with many of them cursory and inconsequential, however there's relationships we have that are very important and impactful such as family, very close friends and our spouse for instance.
I'm not saying I do not have those relationships, more that I feel I could give some more to them, be a better version of myself and make those relationships more meaningful moving forward. I think it's one of life's most valuable pursuits to improve ourselves and if that improvement reaches out and positively touches others then even better.
It's little things like showing a little more patience and tolerance making it less likely I'd snap at someone I deeply value for no good reason. It's about the words thank you, I appreciate you, you are a cherished and important part of my life and such other [hrases that convey meaning and emotion - they're easy to write but are they said enough? I'd like to say them more and I love a prompt like this that makes me see it and think it.
Living with intent and meaning is the minimum we all should be doing and while I believe in looking and planning into the future we should never forget that what we have, the only thing we have as far as time goes is this very moment and if we can find it within to live each moment a little better the future will take care of itself.
I don't think I'll be dead and regretful, or regretful when I'm nearly dead and part of the reason is that I think about what might need fixing or changing and work towards making that happen. It seems prudent.