What Would You Do Differently if You Could Relive the Past Year?

The past year has been a mix of both positive and negative experiences. Reflecting on the past, there are moments where I would unequivocally change certain aspects of my life to make life better.

Health and Illness

One of the most regrettable moments in the past year has been when I became so ill during a sweltering heat wave. I was so determined to keep up with household chores that I worked tirelessly, even cleaning the house at one in the morning. The result was a broken body, spent days in bed, and severe dehydration. If I could go back, I would trade those moments for anything. The good news, however, is that the rest of the year has been filled with positive developments.

Personal Relationships

A part of me would change only one thing: losing contact with a man who I deeply loved and admired. He was romantic, handsome, and had a strong physical presence. We were inseparable during our time together, and I regret the end of our relationship.

Financial Decisions

Another regret pertains to financial decisions. When we got married, we decided to give our monetary gifts to my wife’s uncle. He blindly invested the money, but it wasn't effectively managed. Initially, I suggested investing in Apple stock, but he insisted that my decision was influenced by my previous investment in the company, which had later failed. Had he followed my advice, I would have had a substantial sum of money—around 3 million dollars’ worth—resulting in annual dividends of 40 to 50 thousand dollars. This was the selfish answer, but a more altruistic approach would have involved going back to 2014 when my father had a toothache. Over four dentists and orthodontists were unable to find anything wrong, but a tumor in his sinuses was the underlying issue. If I could turn back time, I would have advised him to have a more thorough examination, which might have saved his life.

Professional Paths and Life Choices

Thinking about different life paths, one significant choice involves the Royal Air Force (RAF). Joining the RAF 40 years ago led to my meeting the woman I married three decades ago. If I had not made that choice, my life would have taken a different course. On the other hand, there has been the recent incident when I made a mistake while cooking breakfast. Holding a plate and an egg in my hand, the weight of the plate was too much for the egg to handle. The regret in retrospect is that I had to discard the plate I had just cleaned.

A Son Lost

The most painful regret is the loss of my son Patrick on November 19, 1998. It was a day that changed my life forever. If I could go back, I would have turned down the night shift offered and stayed home. My papa, who was usually my childcare provider, was sick. Therefore, I entrusted my twins to my mother, who had made progress in reducing her alcohol consumption. However, the next morning, my mother was blacked out drunk on the couch, and Patrick was found drowned in the bathtub. It was a heart-wrenching loss, and I deeply regret putting my career ahead of his safety and wellbeing.

Through these reflections, it becomes evident how the past can shape our present and future. Regret over certain life decisions is a powerful reminder of the importance of making choices that align with what truly matters in life.