As I plan the day, I'm thinking of the opportunities in life, and the goal of having no regrets. How do we live a life in ways that prevent the kind of regrets that way like anchors on your psyche. For the most part, we can avoid those regrets by being intentional about what we do and who we spend time with.
The people you love
Making time for the people you love leads to less regrets. We all know that at any time we can lose our loved ones for all kinds of reasons. So to make time for them and enjoy their company when you can is a good idea.
Contribute in meaningful ways
For some of us, this is a dark time in our country. Our President and his selfish family members and corrupt cronies will an America we never imagined--a country of hatred, strife, prejudice and less ability to work for the common good. We can't sit back idly and let this happen. Instead, we have to find ways to contribute to change. That might mean sending a few dollars to candidates who will turn the tide from the Presidential team's hateful, inhumane agenda, working at the polls, making phone calls, or contributing in other ways. We need to do what we can to work for betterment where possible.
Be as strong and positive as you can be
Doing what makes you strong and positive, and avoiding what makes you weak and compromised is always the right thing to do. Make a list of do's and don'ts and figure out a good routine to make that happen. The stronger and more positive you are, the greater capacity you'll have to live a good life for yourself and for others.
Reflect, read, research, learn, and make time to create a vision for your life
To live without reflection, reading, learning, and dreaming is to live a life that's less than what's possible for you. Make time to dream. Create a vision for your days and years. Refine and revise the vision as needed. Know who you are and where you want to go. This makes you stronger and leaves you with less regrets and more potential in life.
Contribute
Find ways everyday to contribute to the greater world of people and places around you. It may be as simple as taking a walk and picking up litter along the road or much greater such as getting a degree in medicine, education, or social services and using your life's work to help others. Whatever you do, find ways to contribute to a world bigger than yourself.
Celebrate and enjoy
All work and no play does make you dull and desperate--you have to find ways to bring joy, peace, and love into your life. You have to celebrate and enjoy the good times. This is one of the great pleasures of life.
Life will never go exactly as planned, but life is a lot less happy and filled with a lot more regrets if you don't take the time to live as best as you can for yourself and others. Onward.