As I move forward in life and learn, I find that I do have regrets. New learning makes you see old actions with new light, and as you learn, you will likely regret some of your past behaviors and choices. Truly, in many respects, you simply didn't know any better.
Attentiveness
With my mostly zestful living, I can see how attention suffered. Was I attentive enough to the people around me with regard to their interests and needs. Looking forward, I see the value of attentiveness, and what that means with regard to positive relationships and good living.
Projection, Conjecture, and Judgement
With time to think and review my life and the lives of others, I am noticing how damaging projection, conjecture, and judgement are for good living. When we quickly judge others, we don't give ourselves time to really know them. When we project our own ideas, experience, and thoughts on a situation, we limit what that situation truly is--to understand a situation fully, it's good to look at it from many perspectives. And, to conjecture, often leads you away from the truth of the matter. Rather than conjecture, ask questions, engage in conversations, keenly observe, and take time to recognize the truth of the matter. Projection, conjecture, and judgement are faulty ways with which to live life.
Patience
The phrase, "Patience is a virture," is true. Too often when we jump to act or make a conclusion, we make mistakes. Giving situations, people, and problems, time leads to good understanding, action, relationships, and solutions for the most part. Impatience, on the other hand, often leads to problems and struggles.
Get Involved
Staying on the sidelines of issues and events is far less powerful, meaningful, and impactful than getting involved and doing your part. If you care about something, lend a hand, get involved, and be part of experience.
There is much to learn in life, and as we move through the years, if we're open to it, we will learn a lot about how to live life in meaningful, beneficial, enjoyable ways.
As I look back, I can see points where impatience, inaction, conjecture, judgement, projection, and inattentiveness got in the way, and I regret that though I know that for the most part, this was due to a lack of wisdom and understanding, not a will to do harm in any way.
The best way to deal with regret is to learn from those regrets and make better. Onward.