Last week, or five minutes ago if you just happened upon
this blog, you created and categorized an “If Only” list. These if only’s
probably detail your deepest regrets, biggest perceived failings, and
disappointment in your life circumstances. Your “If Only” list may change from
week to week, but the likelihood is that many pieces of the list remain the
same. And the reoccurring regrets reveal what you feel most guilty about.
Here’s a recap of last week’s list after categorization:
Regret over use of time
…I had come home sooner
…I hadn’t let so-and-so’s friend come over that day.
…I hadn’t been so consumed with my job.
…I had been listening when so-and-so tried to talk with me.
…I had more time.
Regret over focus
…I had come home sooner.
… I had been more vigilant.
…I hadn’t been so consumed with my job.
…I had been listening when so-and-so tried to talk with me.
Regret over choice of acquaintances/friends
… had better friends.
…I had never met so-and-so.
… I hadn’t told so-and-so about such-and-such.
… I hadn’t let so-and-so’s friend come over that day.
Regret over personal characteristics/character traits
…didn’t weigh so much.
… I was more interesting.
This week I promised to look at possible motivating factors
in the guilt and regret this list maker faces and how to combat regret and
guilt you may be facing.
The list maker above is probably a frustrated perfectionist.
Her world view tells her that she ought to be enough in control that nothing
bad could happen. The list maker probably believes that if she had done
everything right then her loved one would not be incarcerated right now, and
may even feel that the incarceration is her fault.
This list maker should choose to look at the reality of
things though. No matter how hard anyone strives, no one can ever control
everything. When someone tries to be in control of all circumstances they will
inevitably become frustrated and overwhelmed.
But, how can this person fight their tendency toward
perfectionism? First, she needs to choose to focus on what is true. This might
involve sitting down and taking an honest look at her schedule. Did she really
have any ability to be home earlier than when she arrived? Could she still
provide for her family if she is not devoting the amount of time and focus to
her work that she currently has been giving it? The list maker should ask these
sorts of questions of herself, and choose to focus on what is true.
Secondly, she needs to choose to let go. She cannot make
choices for others. She cannot fix the bad choices of others. She can only
choose how she will react, and what she will do with the circumstances placed
in her life. She has the ability to choose to not accept responsibility for the
bad decisions of others.
Finally, she should choose to improve what she can. Perhaps
she truly does need to lose weight. Making a plan is the first step for that
self-improvement. Possibly she does need to tune in more when others speak. If
she currently has a habit to the contrary it is going to take conscious effort
on her part to make that change. Perhaps she should make a plan to
self-evaluate her interaction with others each evening for the next few weeks.
Of course, your personal list may look much different from
this list maker. Some people face overwhelming feelings of life being totally
out of control and a victimization mindset. Examining your “If Only” list may
be the first step in regaining control of your life and mental health.
Looking for a thrilling read? Check out Renee Patterson's book on amazon!