Regret: the road not taken

eagle on a sign in the desert

Eagle on a sign

In Grade 9, my English teacher introduced me to Robert Frost poems and surprisingly enough, those poems still stick with me. I often reflect upon the narrative poem ‘The Road Not Taken’.

With just 20 lines, Frost conveys reflection, thoughtfulness and (perhaps) regret. As my degree nears its finish, I reflect on the invisible paths ahead of me – which path should I take?

I know I’m not alone with this feeling of choosing the ‘right’ choice. In reality, I believe we need to shift our thoughts away from ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ choices. Regret can be viewed as inevitable when faced with choices. I’m constantly left reflecting on where I would be if I didn’t choose my specific degree, apply for a specific job or attended certain events. Would I be happier?

This mentality also applies for pending future choices which has the possibility of sending us into different trajectories in life. I’m leaving the blanket of safety that my four year degree has provided me and onto the next unknown chapter of my life. It’s a scary (but exciting) thought. I’m in control of the path I take next – and so are you.

“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both”Robert Frost

 

These first two lines remain influential on me. I wish to take many paths in life – but the reality is I can’t take all of them. There are certain paths that will remain untouched and that is something I have to accept.

Despite my somewhat despondent tone, I standby the belief that every choice I have made has been truthful and was ‘meant to be’ – I have significant trust in my intuition and so should you! There is little room for regret when you are content in the present moment. Confidence in the choices I make are important for a positive mindset in order to shift away from a worrying, regretful or stuck mindset.

Every day we are given choices, and hardly ever just one. What choices will you make?

Tagged in What messes with your head, Wellbeing, Student life, reflection