When it comes to life, opportunities and the things we did or failed to do, there are lot of regrets around this, from the experiences of many. It would probably be impossible to say that an individual doesn't have regret over something or an action, in one form or the other. Perhaps, it's one of the things that counts us as humans; making mistakes we tend to regret due to our imperfections.
Human nature can't be said to be oblivious to the fact that we failed short, overshot, wasted privileges and opportunities, or whatever that draws us to the state of regret. In this state, we tend to desire and wish, and maybe pray that a second chance be given us to do better. One more chance to get it right, fix the mistake, or undo the thing(s) done.
One of the painful things about this is that the opportunity to fix, undo or do the deeds we've done or not, seems to never come forth, beyond our heartfelt wishes and desires. Other times, it comes around, and in such times we find people remaining grateful for such a second chance offered to them by someone, life, or even God ultimately.
When this conversation comes up, what surrounds the narrative mostly is the “inaction” part of it. That's to say the things we failed to do that we yearn for another opportunity to get them done. However, the narrative also boils down to the “actions” one would had done and is hoping for a chance to undo. Yes, I've been a victim of both narratives.
My mind seems to be drawn to one of such at times, though I've learnt to live in the past no more. I would imagine sometimes how if I had started earlier in my journey of gaining and acquiring skills, I would have been at a great level now. Today, I'm skilled in graphics design and video editing. However, I find myself wondering if I had a chance to learn them earlier, perhaps if time were to go back, then I wouldn't hesitate a bit.
Recalling my earlier days in the university, I get caught thinking if I had done some things better, in terms of finance, things would have been better now. I mean, I had some money available after registration and all. I was hoping to do something productive with it which didn't happen for some reason. A session later, I got to realise there was something I would have put it into at that time. Well, I wish I had a chance at such opportunity again.
The thing about “second chances” is that they're mostly not valued or taken seriously in the first instance. When such chances pass, they then become evident to the individual that there was a missed opportunity. As a result, one would be found in regret, and wishing for a second chance to get it right or do it right.
Yes, there could be such regrets and wishes for a second chance, but what happens when they don't come? I think it's where many get it wrong. We shouldn't dwell on the past. If it has passed and isn't looking to come around again, one should learn to look ahead and not wallow in that regret. If a second chance comes around, fine then.
Images are mine.