THE REGRETS I HAVE ARE WEIGHING ME DOWN

I recently realised that my life is coming to an end. I am 72 years old and I’ve never really thought about dying up until now. Now that my friends are passing away, it has suddenly hit me that I might be next on the list of the angel of death.

The result is that I have been reflecting on my life and thinking of all the mistakes I’ve made that led to bad outcomes.

I’ve also thought of all the men I have loved in my life and found wanting. I’ve thought to myself that not one of them was actually worth the while and now it is too late to find that sterling someone.

What do I do with all these regrets? They are really weighing me down. I used to be a very happy and chirpy person but that has changed and I want the old me back.

Rene, email

It is clear that in looking at your past life you have been very critical.

You could not have made one mistake after the other and in your mind you are now jumping from one mistake you may have made to the next and skipping all the good things.

All human beings make mistakes but instead of making a diary of all your mistakes, make one for your accomplishments.

Include in this diary the happy times with friends, family and colleagues.

Include the times you helped people without anybody knowing.

Include the miracles you’ve experienced in your life. Include all the animals you have loved and who’ve loved you in return.

Live your life to the full. Enjoy time with friends, have fun days with the family, go on outings and enjoy the beauty of nature. The more you focus outward, the less the inner monsters will stir you.

Death is something over which we have no control so forget about controlling it and enjoy the time that you still have, which may be another 20 to 25 years!