No Regrets: Life is a Luxury

I used to live my life haunted by regrets, wishing I’d made different choices, taken the other road, and seized opportunities that were right in front of my face. 

I regretted not reaching out to people that needed it the most, I regretted wasting my time in unhealthy relationships, I regretted not truly investing myself in college the first time around, I regretted growing up too fast, and I regretted blocking family members out of my life at times. 

But as I sit today, on the anniversary of 9/11, and reflect upon how the life I’ve enjoyed is a luxury, I clearly see that regrets are unnecessary.

I’m human and as humanly possible, I’ve learned from every positive and negative experience in my life. I learned that being dumped by a boy did not cause the world to stop; instead, it taught me strength and the importance of bouncing back. I learned that when family members and friends let you down, it strengthens your ability to be a better person and a better friend. I learned that when you fail at something, it increases motivation to succeed at something else.

 I’m blessed to have the freedoms and luxuries I do. I’m blessed to have two healthy children who have shown me the value of unconditional love. I’m blessed to have a loving mate who completes me. I’m blessed to have a close-knit family and a supporting group of friends. Most of all, I’m blessed to have life, a luxury nearly 3,000 people lost eight years ago.

 Life’s too short for regrets.

– Shannon Philpott
Blog Entry: Sept. 11, 2009

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