If you could go back…
If you could go back to any point of time in your life and change something that you regret. Or if you could go back and take an opportunity that you missed. Or if you could take a time machine and give your previous self a warning or a piece of advice.
What would you do? When would you go? How would you rather have things end up?
It's a common question and a common fantasy. If I could go back and just change that, everything would be so much better. I wouldn't have this stain on my soul. I wouldn't have missed this chance. I'd be richer. I'd be more successful. It would be better.
I was asked this question once, in a classroom in which I was the instructor. Would you change some of the decisions you have made in your life if you could go back and make them again?
It wasn't a question I was prepared for because that wasn't exactly on topic. And yet, it was a very good question, because it actually could be used to bring about some useful learning that was actually very much ON topic.
I don't remember exactly what I said that day, but I do recall the basic idea of much of what I said.
Would I go back and make a change if I could? Would I alter a terribly awful event or revisit a pivotal moment? Would I find myself choosing to go to one of the darkest moments in my life where a change by me could possibly remove the pain and maybe even make things better for everyone involved?
Perhaps I would be tempted. But, then I hope I would remember something very important.
The path I have taken to this day, has led me to this. The path I have taken to this day has made me who I am. The path I have taken up to this point, has led me to you.
Who hasn't? But, like you say, Rob, who would? Why? Every struggle builds strength; every reward gives us more hope for the future.
❤️