Remember that song “Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin?

My child arrived just the other day. He came to the world in the usual way. But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay. He learned to walk while I was away.

I am sure as you read this you are now singing that song. And you will be all day now. (Got ya). That song is iconic as it talks about looking back on life with regrets. Looking back with the “I wish I would have, but…” How many of us do that?

You can’t tell me you don’t have one of these regrets. Not Pursuing Dreams: Many wish they had followed their passions or taken risks in their careers or hobbies. Neglecting Relationships: Regretting time spent away from family and friends, or not prioritizing important relationships. Not Taking Care of Health: Wishing they had maintained better physical and mental health habits. Missing Opportunities: Regretting not seizing opportunities. Holding Grudges: Wishing they had let go of conflicts or mended broken relationships. Living in Fear: Regretting letting fear hold them back from trying new things or taking chances. Poor Financial Decisions: Wishing they had managed money better, saved more, or avoided debt. Not Being Present: Regretting not enjoying or appreciating the moment, often due to distractions.

So what do we do with them? How many of us say, “I wish I would have”?  For men, handling regret means recognizing and reflecting on past choices without letting them weigh us down. It’s about learning from experiences and using those lessons to make better decisions in the future. Embracing vulnerability can help in processing feelings and building stronger relationships. Forgiving ourselves for past mistakes is essential to moving forward. Ultimately, transforming regret into growth can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. 

Join us this episode as we talk about the F.A.C.T.S of dealing with the “but..” in life. FYI. F.A.C.T. Find Admit Confess Talk