Overcoming the Obstacle of Regret:

I hadn’t planned another trip this year, but I found myself packing rather hurriedly. I was off on another “Guilt Trip” and I was dreading it.

I flew on Wish-I-Had airlines but I wasn’t allowed to check my baggage so I had to carry it all myself. It was heavy: packed with a thousand memories of what might have been. Still, it was only a short journey before I arrived at Regret City Airport.

I hailed a cab to the Last Resort Hotel, where they were hosting the Annual Pity Party. I was sure to meet with the other regulars: the Done family – Shoulda, Woulda and Coulda; the I Had family – old Wish and his clan; the Opportunities – Missed and Lost; the Yesterday’s – too many to count but each with their own sad tales to tell. Shattered Dreams would also be there along with Their Fault, Don’t Blame Me and I Couldn’t Help It.

Well, I checked in and prepared for the worse but then it occurred to me: I didn’t have to be on this trip or any other subsequent “pity party” either. I had the power to cancel the event, to check out and be somewhere else instead, somewhere better! Finally, I realised that although I can’t change yesterday I can still change today. – Well, I left the City of Regret quickly and never looked back. (I didn’t even leave a forwarding address.)

If you’re planning to visit the City of Regret change your reservation and come to a place called, Starting Again, instead. – I liked it so much I stayed! My new neighbours are the I Forgive Myselfs and the New Starts. It’s a wonderful place. Why don’t you look me up. I live on I Can Do It street.

Adapted from the prose “Leaving the City of Regret” by Larry Harp