Feeling regret is one of the most common experiences that we all share. We become familiar with it from a very young age, and it’s usually tied to other events such as missing out on something that matters to us. Regret is usually talked about as a negative term but it can lead to a lot of positives. By feeling this form of guilt or remorse we learn how to avoid a similar situation in the future or how to change our behavior to achieve our dreams. Maybe we’ve made a poor decision in the rush of the moment such as getting our lovers’ names tattoo’ed on our arms or been too afraid to take up a dream job opportunity. In this post, we’ve collaborated with our friends at BritishLasers.com to take a look at some of the most common regrets and how to get over them.
Tattoos
Tattoos are a popular way of self-expression and lots of us can’t get enough of them. However, some of us may have decided to permanently ink ourselves all too quickly. Something as permanent as a tattoo can cause a lot of anxiety and in a poll about our biggest regrets, it ranks high. Luckily, technology has come a long way, and dealing with this type of regret is easier than ever. The best tattoo artists can either cover your unwanted tattoo with a new design or use a laser machine to gradually remove the tattoo. Laser treatment requires multiple sessions but when done correctly, it’s highly effective. To get more specific information on laser tattoo removal, read more at britishlasers.com
Even after a tattoo is removed, you may wish to talk to someone about your experience. Reach out to friends and family or even a simple counselling session can help reduce anxiety.
Spending more time with loved ones
Life gets busy and sometimes we spend more time away from our nearest and dearest than we like. Time passes quickly and before we know it, it’s been two Christmases’ since we spent time with our ageing parents. Scheduling in quality time with our friends and family requires a little planning, but it’s worth it. Try to see if you can find a regular time of the week when you can video-call or, even better, meet up for a quick coffee. Even the smallest amount of time spent catching up with people who mean the world to us is enough to charge our batteries and improve our overall well-being. See if you can make a collective commitment as a family or friendship group to look after each other.
Taking risks
Getting out of our comfort zone seems to come to us naturally when we’re young. Riding our bikes, jumping off bridges, climbing trees, children and teenagers love trying new things. As we get older, it’s very common for us to become more tentative in pushing our boundaries. But out longing for adventure remains. Testing our limits (safely) is just as important for adults as it is for youngsters. The next time you get an opportunity to try something new, give it some thought, and don’t be afraid to say yes. If you’re feeling unsure of yourself, see if you can rope in a friend to start a new activity with you or to take a holiday somewhere different. You may just discover a new side to you that will make you happier and more confident in all areas of your life.
The purpose of this article was to show that regrets are a natural occurrence and an important part of our self-development. Making bad choices like getting a permanent tattoo happens and it’s important to forgive ourselves for our mistakes. It’s how we learn about ourselves and move forward. Letting go of fear can also be accomplished at the same time so be courageous and grab opportunities as they come along.