Regret

 

 Regret: re·gret
 –verb (used with object)
1. to feel sorrow or remorse for (an act, fault, disappointment, etc.): He no sooner spoke than he regretted it.
2. to think of with a sense of loss: to regret one's vanished youth.
–noun
3. a sense of loss, disappointment, dissatisfaction, etc.
4. a feeling of sorrow or remorse for a fault, act, loss, disappointment, etc.
5. regrets, a polite, usually formal refusal of an invitation: I sent her my regrets.

We have all experienced a regret of some kind for different reasons and duration. Some are a result of a conscious act on our part while others happened either accidentally to us or to others with whom we empathize with. The key to dealing with regret is to take a positive from the experience and move on, not forgetting, but using the experience as a positive reference lesson in your future.  By replaying the event in our minds, we can choose a new ending using all that we now know. Holding onto regret is like dragging the weight of the past with us everywhere we go. It drains our energy, leaving less available for life in the present because we are constantly feeding an old issue. This attachment can cause illness the same way watering a dead plant creates decay. We know that something new and beautiful can grow in its place if we only prepare the soil and plant the right seeds.

We also know that we create our lives from our thoughts, so dwelling on the past may actually recreate a situation in our lives where we are forced to make the choice again and again. We can choose to move on right now by applying what we have learned to the present and perhaps even sharing with others, transforming the energy into something that is constructive and creative for ourselves and others.

If the regret is a result of our actions toward others, offer a sincere apology. It is then their choice to forgive or not. We cannot control the actions of others, only our reactions to them. So, if they choose to not forgive, you cannot control that. You can regret your act, offer your apologies and move on, with or without their forgiveness, learning from the experience.

Keeping our minds and our energy fully in the present allows us to fuel our physical and emotional healing and well-being today. This action frees our energy to create the dreams we dream for the future. By taking responsibility and action in the present, we can release our hold on the past and move forward to a positive future.

Blessed Be!

July 4th

On this day in which Americans celebrate their  independence, we offer prayers for our country and its leaders.

Though our nation is far from perfect, it has nevertheless been the source of much goodness, both for American citizens and for the world. We give thanks for the freedom we have to worship and to live out our faith without fear. In today’s world, this is nothing to take for granted and pray that tolerance and mutual respect will allow it to continue.

To our national leaders, political and public leaders of all callings, our nation faces such great challenges, both at home and abroad. May you have the wisdom and courage to seek and accept the truth that all are created equal, that they are endowed with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Let us not take our freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May we always remember that a very high price was paid for our freedom as our freedom cost others their very lives. We thank those in the past, present and future who serve  to give their lives for our freedom. We are thankful for this nation and for all the sacrifices others have made to build and defend this country. May we acknowledge and be grateful for the opportunities and freedoms we have in the United States of America. May we never to take these blessings for granted.

To all Americans, come together in unity, not only on this day of celebration, but on every day on which we should be celebrating and experiencing our freedom, side-by-side, hand-in-hand. Act with mutual respect and tolerance. Put aside the differences, the hatred, the lies, the partisan politics, all the negative emotions that rise to the top and replace them all with the thread of commonality. May we all safely enjoy this 4th of July with enthusiasm, hope and togetherness! So Mote It Be!