1. Regrets, I’ve Got Some!
I’m reading Daniel Pink’s “The Power of Regret; How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward.”
Pink opens his book with a James Baldwin quote: “Though we would like to live without regrets, and sometimes proudly insist that we have none, this is not really possible, if only because we are mortal.”2. I Foolishly Thought That I Shouldn’t Admit, Nor Recognize My Regrets.
In fact, I have had many regrets! In celebrating my 74th birthday in 2022, I do recognize my regrets. I also admit that I have responded to those regrets and adjusted how I live, sometimes for the better, sometimes not so well!3. I regret that I didn’t fully recognize that I was going to marry an abusive spouse!
I was young (19/20), in lust that I interpreted as love. I had sniffed some clues, but I wasn’t able to comprehend them.4. I regret that I didn’t perceive that I was not responsible for her unhappiness.
It took me long time in our relationship to realize that no matter how many times I try to change my behavior, I never could satisfy her demands. It took me over 11 years in that marriage to come to that realization.5. I regret that I pursued an unrestricted US Navy officer commission.
On my 1969 Midshipman 1/c cruise the Captain of LAFFEY recommended I receive a staff rather than line commission. I believe I would have had a much more successful Navy career if I had been a Supply Officer!6. I regret that when I was Engineer Officer I didn’t ask for more help.
I thought that I had to do everything myself and not seek help. The Navy’s “Can-Do” spirit got me in trouble. I learned from that experience to seek/ask for help.
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