Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention
—Frank Sinatra (“I Did It My Way”)

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Good for you, Frank. But that’s not me. I have more than a few regrets.

I’ll get to a few, but first this.

A certain friend of mine ends every day by counting her blessings and inscribing them in a “book of blessings.” She is one of the happiest people I’ve ever known.

And to think she’s a Democrat.

Most of my Democratic friends are depressed, disheartened, or demoralized. Not her. She’s not only happy; she’s joyful. And she’s a warrior in the resistance.

Must be the book of blessings!

I’ve sporadically tried keeping a book of blessings, but it’s never worked for me. Alas, I quickly default to regrets.

Failures.

Missteps.

I don’t inscribe them in a “book of regrets.” I just recall them one by one, weigh them, and take them to heart.

It may sound like a downer, but it’s not. It’s not wallowing in guilt. I don’t beat myself up or fall on my knees begging forgiveness.

It’s a moral inventory, a learning tool, a way to improve one’s character, which, by the way, the ancient Greeks considered the purpose of life. To them, happiness was a byproduct of pursuing and practicing virtue.

Unfortunately, Thomas Jefferson enshrined “the pursuit of happiness” as “an inalienable right,” which, regrettably, has led our nation to hyperconsumerism.

Are you happy yet? No? Well, maybe this shiny new thing will make you happy. After all, you deserve to be happy. It’s your right!

If only Jefferson had said “the pursuit of virtue.”

Maybe he came to regret it. Who knows?

And then there’s those people who have no regrets whatsoever.

I can’t think of a single thing I’d have done differently. I will go to my grave with no regrets.

REALLY? No regrets over an entire lifetime?

Personally, I have a few almost everyday!

I talked too much today; I’ll listen more tomorrow.

I ignored my granddaughter’s presence today; I’ll pay attention next time.

I took Thelma on a quick-step, short-leash walk today; I’ll give her more leash and more time to smell the “roses” tomorrow.

My friend looked glum today; I’ll ask why next time.

I sat at the keyboard too long today; I’ll walk in the woods tomorrow.

We all mess up. What we do next matters most.

Just to have another chance to make things right is a blessing.

I’m going to put that in my new book of blessings.

Tomorrow.

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