I believe that you have to focus on your regrets now and then as regrets can be good teachers in life, and when you focus on regrets, you are less likely to repeat the behaviors you regret again.
Life's regrets
Manners
There have been a few times in life when I've forgotten my good manners. It's always good to use good manners no matter what situation you are in. Developing and using good manners is always right.
Acknowledgement
Every since I worked in that architectural firm years ago when the consultant told us to tell two people every time you notice something good, I've been fairly good at acknowledging the good people and events around me. It's always right to acknowledge the good in your midst.
Self respect
It's never right to accept behavior that harms or hurts you--we all have to have enough self respect to do that. In some cases in life I accepted too much disrespect for too long. In hindsight, I realize that if I had put a stop to that poor behavior earlier, it would not have grown to be as harsh and hurtful as it did in some situations. You can redirect people in kind ways when respect suffers. Similarly when you act without respect, you need to acknowledge that and change your ways.
Generosity and helpfulness
It's always good to be as generous and helpful to others as you can be.
Nurture relationships with compassion, empathy, honesty, time, and energy
Relationships will suffer if you don't nurture those relationships with good effort and intent.
Be yourself
We are all a mix of strengths and struggles-we all have amazing gifts to give and amazing challenges to face. We have to accept the people we are and work to be the people we want to be with care, forgiveness, understanding, and good effort.
We will have regrets in life, but if we live with as much good intent to be the people we are and nurture the relationships and good work possible, the regrets will be few. Onward.
