I do not regret letting a single person into my life no matter what happened as a result of doing so. Every one of them taught, and in some cases continues to teach, me something.
I have had conversations i would never have had otherwise. I have seen films, videos and tv, read books and blogs, listened to music, met people, been to places and had experiences all because of the suggestion of someone else.
I have also got to know me better. Being exposed to other people's stories makes you think. Do you agree with their actions? What would you do/say if it was you? Does any of their story reflect part of yours? You may not need to share this with them.
The human experience is a connected one. We cannot avoid other humans completely however much we isolate ourselves. The various barriers we come up against are not all of our making and can leave us without our needs being met unless we ask for help.
While getting to know other people opens up possibilities for us, the reverse is also true. We are teachers as well as students, in the informal sense if not the formal one. I wrote recently that I learn something every time I try to help someone, if only that I can't help.
We owe it to ourselves to be open but it can be scary. I am trying to be braver. I don't believe in regrets, we can't change the past but there is sometimes a little voice in my head asking me "why?" after I realise that it would have been better if things had gone differently.
I am human. I make mistakes. I am doing my best in a world full of people who are doing their best too. If we accept that no-one is perfect and we give each other a little room to do/say things we might not have intended without running for the hills or pointing the finger of blame this relationship stuff might be easier all round.
Copyright © 2021 Lily Lawson