"Regret Is Stronger Than Gratitude"
Start writing a post
Student Life

"Regret Is Stronger Than Gratitude"

Flowers don't just belong to the dead.

5131
"Regret Is Stronger Than Gratitude"
Pinterest

"Dead people receive more flowers than the living ones because regret is stronger than gratitude." -Anne Frank

Life comes at you fast. One minute you're making crooked flowers with chalk on the pavement, and the next you're reading on Facebook that those people you said you would be close with forever aren't on this side of life anymore. It's a little odd to look back on your life and think that all those moments you thought were so important don't hold any significance to your life at all now. No one wants to waste time on senseless things, yet we do it all the time.

In less than a month, I'll be walking across the stage of the Pensacola Bay Center reaching out to grab a piece of paper that symbolizes ending one part of my life, and embarking upon another. I can't help but think back to all those moments of high school that I thought were SO important. To be completely honest with you, I've forgotten about most of them simply because they hold little to no value. Here are two things I do remember though, and why I agree with Anne Frank 100% in her position that regret is stronger than gratitude.

1. The Cliques

You know how on High School Musical, they all come together and sing every five minutes? That most certainly doesn't happen, but I'm sure you already know that. But what you may not be aware of is how cliques are such a driving force of the social aspect of high school. I of course have those friends that I'm closer with and hang out with the most, but it wasn't until I looked around in the lunchroom and saw people sitting alone that I realized, I don't want to want to be the person that makes someone else feel like they aren't good enough to join in with the rest of us. Some of you regret seeing that "weird" guy or girl that no one likes to talk to, sitting alone and not doing or saying anything about it. Good news: there's a ton of other lonely people in the world just waiting for someone to put their own desires aside and reach out a helping hand.

2. The Lack of Sensitivity

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it eats its fruit." Proverbs 18:21. In the moment it was funny when that joke, that was vocalized to the entire class, called out a girl on her outfit. Later on it may be regretful if it were recognized that the same funny joke, was now the defeated tears on her pillow. Of course much worse is said in high school, but I will spare you the details. Harsh words don't stop after high school though. Slandering words are said in the break room or on the phone or at the dinner table. You may regret speaking out of anger at some point in this week. Good news: a future scenario will occur where you're angry and have the opportunity to use the power of your tongue to speak death. My advice to you is don't.

Be grateful for the life you live where the people around you aren't the same as you. Be grateful for the life you live where you have the ability to vocalize your opinions and concerns. But don't live your life in a way where you look back and regret not being inclusive or using your tongue to speak life to others.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71050
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132620
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments