We all have them. These intense senses of emotion creep up on us out of no where to only immediately create this sort of deep guilt in the pit of our stomach. As if your stomach is trying to tell you, “Hey, why’d you do that?” or “I can’t believe that just happened.” Thus, leading to the reason why we all hate REGRET.

But the sad truth of it is, we need this powerful feeling. Although it’s a constant reminder of the past, it is also a constant reminder of a lesson learned. One of my biggest regrets was not trying hard enough to make a team for my high school. But looking back at it, during that time my head was somewhere else. I wanted something different and that’s exactly what the idea of regret doesn’t grasp. At one point your so-called regret was exactly what you wanted. You were right where you needed to be and it shaped who you are today. Unknowingly, with every instance in your life, you have taken something from it. It may have been an experience, heartbreak, friendship, laughter, or happiness. Just as regret teaches a lesson.

"I never regret anything. Because every little detail of your life is what made you into who you are in the end." - Drew Barrymore

Whether you’re regretting an action you didn’t do or did do, there was a reason behind it. Either pure fun or hasty mistakes, they aren’t large enough aspects of your life to really be regretful towards. The more time spent dwelling on the past will only hurt you. Take that extra step into understanding that it’s okay. You’re human and learn from it as a mistake.

If there is one thing I have learned in my 20 years of life, it is to never take a moment for granted. Live in the life you love now and save regrets for the grave. I know, super cliché, but take it from someone who has been there. Ive had my share of regrets, mistakes, and lessons. Every one has. The fact of the matter is, there is only room to grow, not to soil.

No regrets, not even a letter.