Don't Let Regrets Ruin Your Tomorrows

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Don't Let Regrets Ruin Your Tomorrows - The principles of recovery have universal application. A young man who had been a budding vocalist developed a throat problem. But instead of following through with the accepted treatment from a reputable surgeon, he contacted a doctor whose 'miracle treatment' had been described in a magazine. Unfortunately the miracle did not work, and the vocalist remained with a disability that ruined his career. He confided that he had considered suicide several times. While the facts vary, the problem is not an unfamiliar one. A person does something foolish, which has irreversible consequences; and he cannot forgive himself. In one of Charles Schulz's brilliant cartoon strips, Charlie Brown explains that he cannot do anything about the future because he is 'still trying to make yesterday better.' Engaging in a 'pity party,' bemoaning the past, is a cop-out, whereby a person tries to avoid the challenges of the present and the future. Perhaps this young man would have fared better had he become chemically dependent. Then he could benefit from the experience of the many people who have been in the same position. Instead of forever condemning themselves for what they did, these people have accepted the reality of what cannot be undone, risen above it, and gone on to live constructive lives.
Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought For The day

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Perhaps this young man would have fared better had he become chemically dependent. Then he could benefit from the experience of the many people who have been in the same position. Instead of forever condemning themselves for what they did, these people have accepted the reality of what cannot be undone, risen above it, and gone on to live constructive lives.

Living with and in regret would have to be one of the most crippling things I have experienced. Over and over the emotions tied to something past that I so wished I could undo. Every trigger booting me through those places again and again. I do still have triggers to things from the past however I do not feel I live in regret anymore. Some of the past can still bring some sad thoughts, temporarily, however since I have learnt and 'accepted' that the past cannot be changed and I have learnt to forgive myself and others I let go of the regrets and that has allowed me to live 'in the here and now'. Not tomorrow, hoping things would be better and not yesterday wishing it wasn't as it is.

All of the above has been due to being chemically dependant, and I am grateful that I hit the bottom once again to be able to call out for help and well, here I am.