Many of us have things we regret not doing or having pursued in the past. In this reflection, I'll share my own personal regrets in not making the most of the time with my late grandfather and delaying therapy. These experiences have taught me the invaluable importance of nurturing our emotional well-being and cherishing family connections.

Time with My Late Grandfather

Back in my childhood, I struggled with insomnia, although it wasn't an immediate diagnosis. One of my strategies to fall asleep was to snuggle up next to my grandfather's arm. This nightly ritual was a source of both comfort for my grandfather and myself, as neither of us had to wake up for school in the morning. Despite our closeness in proximity, we rarely exchanged words. My arrogance and busyness may have contributed to my reluctance to seek deeper conversations with him, failing to grasp the wealth of wisdom and experiences he carried.

Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic. I've since developed alternative methods to induce sleep, such as physical exhaustion from rigorous exercise. However, I deeply regret not having spent more quality time making him feel loved and understood. Older individuals often feel isolated during retirement, and it would have been heartening to have fostered a deeper connection with him.

I hope rest in peace goes to him and that it brings him solace knowing that someone, at least me, valued the time we had.

Late into Therapy

My struggles with mental health started from a young age. I experienced clinical depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among other issues. Despite recognizing the need for therapy, I couldn't afford the cost and often chose to ignore these feelings, believing I could handle them alone. This decision was my greatest regret, as I had this clear opportunity to seek help but let it slip through my fingers.

It wasn't until now that I've made a significant commitment to therapy with 11 sessions attended so far. I highly recommend therapy to everyone, not just those who think they need it immediately. Therapy fosters emotional well-being, helps build a new perspective, and provides a safe space to express oneself. Starting now, I'm determined to stick to my appointments and add daily gym activities to my routine.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on these past regrets, I've realized the critical importance of prioritizing mental health and nurturing family relationships. It's never too late to make amends and invest in the health of those we hold dear. Let's all strive to learn from our past and cherish every moment with our loved ones.

Until next time, peace out!