James

Posted Tuesday, March 8, 2022

2y

ESTP

Taurus

No “Regerts”

Many of us probably remember the misspelled tattoos meme that goes through the inter-webs every 6 to 12 months, the most famous being the “No Regerts” neck tattoo. I think we can all agree that the ass-kicking the responsible artist deserves after that pathetic portrayal of the American education system. The humor we all find in it’s obvious error pales in comparison to the intended message. I was enjoying a lengthy conversation with a friend of mine this morning. We were discussing some gardens his landlord once built that were lavish and beautiful when he moved in. Unfortunately, over the years they become delapidated and are now more indicative of a barren wasteland. As our conversation progressed I began discussing some details of my failed relationship with the mother of my child. Our separation was one of those overly-dramatic, horrifically loud and in everybody’s face breakups. Over the course of fifteen years we took what was once a love story fit for a novel and transformed it into a union of toxicity and hate. The woman whom I worshipped and devoted my heart and faith into became the sole focus of a hatred who’s only comparison was the degree of loved we once shared. We said many things to each other that were only said to inflict pain. To this day, I regret those statements. A person will never know the darkness and despair of hatred until they’ve known the warmth bliss of true love. To harbor regret towards those whom we once loved so deeply is a tragedy all on its own. It’s easier to forgive the one who wrong us than it is to forgive ourselves for the wrongs we’ve caused. In my attempt to rebuild from the ashes and coals the one were the man I had been, I find myself unable to progress without first learning this valuable lesson. I must learn to forgive myself for the things I’ve said and done - Easier said, no doubt. If I could offer advice to those fortunate enough to have never known or approached this lesson it would be to remain silent. I repeat this modified poem many times a day now and I hope someone will learn from my mistakes.. “Sticks and stones may break bones; however the words we choose to say could scar someone forever.” Be wise my friends, it’s easier to live without a need for regret, than it is to live with the experience that regret brings.