It’s hard when you realize opportunities have passed you by. While these choices can haunt you, it is best not to dwell in them. There are only 3 major regrets in my life. I don’t let them bother me by always remembering what they taught me. These valuable lessons will hopefully stop me from repeating them again. Here at my 3 regrets and the lessons I learn from them.
Regret #1: Not having a full college experience – when Danni and I were choosing schools we were dead set on studying in Northern California. When we found the cost for housing was more than my parents could afford, we decided to stay in LA. We both went to separate universities, but lived at home. I didn’t know what I was missing out on until I visited my friends in UC Santa Barbara. Realizing that I never got the full college experience. At this time, I thought everything was black and white. If I don’t have the money then I can’t afford it. Now I know there is a grey area and that is looking for alternative ways.
Lesson Learned: There are always multiple ways to make your dreams a reality. You just need to find one of the ways and get yourself there.
Regret #2: Not doing a studying abroad in Mexico – I did a summer in Spain, but it was this particular experience that made me upset that I didn’t do a longer study abroad. When I think about the missed opportunity it makes my stomach turn, like learning Spanish fluently. When this first crossed my mind I could have taken the first steps to make it happen, but instead I let fear control me. I didn’t take a risk to leave my bubble.
Lesson Learned: Don’t let fear control you. When you think of an idea, take even the smallest step towards it, and it will start to unfold. Eventually taking a leap of faith it will all work out.
Regret #3: Not backpacking through Europe – This is the most recent regret. Looking back now when I first graduated and I should have taken time off. I graduated college during the recession and jobs were hard to come by. During this time I thought of traveling, but I didn’t think it was the best time to do it. I convinced myself I would have more opportunities to travel in the future. Although this is true, it is also now harder with a full time career to take a month or two off to travel. I still plan some way or another that I can make this a reality. I just wish I would have done it in my early twenties.
Lesson Learn: There’s no perfect timing for anything, because you never know what the future holds.