“The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power.”–Unknown
Facebook reminded me of a quote I shared four years ago—just months after I closed a business and ended a lifelong dream:
“’Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.’–Shannon L. Alder
My greatest fear in life is not what lies ahead but rather how each step affects others. At times it motivates; at times it paralyzes.”
I am reminded of the struggle we face to not look back and think about all the things we failed to do or the things at which we failed. Failure and experience are life’s best teachers, but we don’t have to dwell on them. The opportunity lies in what we do today. We should reflect on the lesson and make sincere effort to be better today.
At the time I shared the above sentiment, I am sure that I was battling with regrets. I felt that I had let down the athletes we were training, the parents who had invested time and money with us, the trainers I have to let go, and, moreover, my wife, who had to deal with the financial blow it struck to our retirement savings. In all, though, I had to consider the blessing the experience had been. I learned a lot. I made friendships that remain today. I (we) impacted the lives of a number young athletes who have benefited from the training they received. We recovered financially. Relationally, it made my wife and me stronger. I still carry the experience into my classroom, as I continue to educate exercise science students. I could dwell on the regrets, but it would do me and others no good. Instead, I consider how it has impacted the present.
I have no regrets for the past. There is nothing I would change of my 55 years—despite the abundance of mistakes and missed opportunities. Why? Because every experience has brought me to where I am right now. I would not change a thing. (And, of course, I couldn’t even if I wanted.) Instead, I can shape my future by the decisions I make and the actions I take right now.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!