Three Things We Can't Take Back

Courtesy of Dan Bowman Productions

As this year unwinds, let’s take a moment to ponder the three things we can't take back. The words we have spoken and the ones we have received that have stuck to our souls. The choices we made that took flight either toward the target or not. And the opportunities we missed.

In the spirit of another year closing in let’s start with the third.

The lost opportunity.

Hindsight can be a wonderful thing. It allows us to evaluate what we didn’t have the courage to attempt the first time. If we look back on the months of this year, what could we have done differently to set us up for the year? Start a fitness regime? Spend more time reading or volunteering?
Keep in better touch with people we care about?

Looking back over the year, what could we have done differently that would have made a new You today? Do we see the junction when we made the choice? Would we choose differently next time?

What could we have gained in being more brave?

The Spoken Word.

How many words spoken to us over this year are still echoing in our heads. Hurtful words, truthful words with a sting, misinterpreted words, praising words? How many times did we hear them or pass them out, does intention count? How many times did we overlook what we received to keep peace? Or perhaps we didn't wait long enough to bite our tongue to stop our reaction?

What did we learn in these interactions? Who to trust, how to stay calm, patience?

The Spent Arrow.

What do YOU need this to mean? We have chosen each day to be someone. Hopefully, you chose to be YOU! Did we succumb to someone else’s will, power, manipulation? Did we respond professionally, like a grown-up, not taking it personally? Have you read one of my favorite books of all time, Don Miguel Ruiz's The Four Agreements?

Did we spend our time wisely? Did we set our life in motion to grow, learn and expand? There is such valuable information on dedication and concentration in Cal Newport's - Deep Work. A book that could change your life in the days ahead.

The arrow has been sent forth, we might hope or plan or strategize on its target but we never know the circuitous route it will take; how it lands is the interesting part. Send as many arrows forth as you feel needed and you WILL make a change!

The year is coming to a close, but WOW what a year. We can teach and share, celebrate and mourn, review and reflect, grow and learn, make plans and relax.

These three things we can't take back. But the choices ahead are open and exciting and ours to make. (Click to Tweet)