No regrets
Believe it or not, there is a field of research focused on the topic of “regret.” Who knew? A researcher, Daniel H. Pink, wrote a book, entitled, “The Power of Regret.” I stumbled upon an article excerpted from that book. This is what comes from a mind that meanders.
I thought the Lenten season might be a good time to think about regrets. The idea of “No Regrets” is an alluring motto, “a handy recipe for success and satisfaction. Reject the pain of looking backward, revel in the pleasure of dreaming forward, and the good life will ensue.”
Pink says, “Little wonder that this simple maxim transcends political and cultural divides. The Rev. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale — Christian, conservative, mentor to Republican presidents— urged his followers to drop the very word ‘regret’ from their vocabularies. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg — Jewish, liberal, appointee of Democratic presidents — concurred.”
“Jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald recorded a song called ‘No Regrets’ in 1968 — as did country star Emmylou Harris in 1989 and rapper Eminem in 2020. Some people endorse this world view so deeply that they tattoo the two-word credo on their bodies.”
But Pink contends, “For all its intuitive appeal, the ‘No Regrets’ approach is an unsustainable blueprint for living. At a time like ours--when teenagers are battling unprecedented mentalhealth challenges, adults are gripped by doubt over their financial future, and the cloud of an enduring pandemic casts uncertainty over all of our decisions — it is especially counterproductive.”
Pink wrote this before the current RussiaUkraine war. I’m sure he would add that to his list of possible regrets.
During this season of Lent, many Christians reflect on their lives and resolve to do better. Sometimes they regret what they previously did or did not do. In an attempt to do better, many believers choose to deprive themselves of something. This can be a reminder of the sacrifice of Jesus, but also serve as a reminder that they could always improve.
Pink’s article doesn’t mention Frank Sinatra’s famous lyric, “Regrets, I’ve had a few. But then again, too few to mention...” You might want to look up all the lyrics to “My Way,” and see if you agree or disagree with the message of that song. Plenty to think about there and elsewhere.
More about this next time.