Sometimes I think the world is divided between those who are mesmerized by the past, the Regretters, and those who fear the future, the Worriers. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to just be right here right now like the happy guy below? I regret to say that I am a Regretter. How about you?
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Can't comment on the Long Island thing, but I do have a theory (completely unscientific). It feels like Worriers are more concerned with how some aspect of the outside world might impact them negatively. Regretters are turned in on themselves. They're concerned about what they're responsible for that might have impacted others negatively.
Another terrific question. yes, I'm on Team Worrier, but not so much as my mother who was a Worry Queen supreme. I don't call it worrying, I call it anticipating possible outcomes but that's just words.
I'm usually too engaged in the present to freak out about something that hasn't happened yet, or to wallow in what's already transpired. However, during Covid, at the request of a couple of archives, I found myself rummaging through the past looking for photos and newspaper clippings. I started out happy to do it, but as the project proceeded I slowed down. I'd come face to face with all the fun I used to have. I felt like an old lady trapped in the past because the present is so lack lustre. An old lady who was packing her bags, passing things on, lightening the load. If there wasn't a worldwide pandemic I'd still be cranking up community events. Art shows, performance art, rowdy parties... Sigh! Once I boxed it all up and shipped it off I lightened up and got myself back in my happy place. The present!
You are an exemplar of staying present. Please don't feel burdened by the passing things on part though. Being a keeper of the historical record is a deeply important function and I thank you for doing it.
Lately I enjoy listening to a radio station that plays music from the late 50’s through the 70’s.I love dancing to this music and it makes me happy to hear it! Definitely pulls me into a time when I was a kid and through my 20’s. I would not call this regretting. I’d call it having fun with old joyful memories.
I used to be a worrier, or what I'd call a highly anxious person, but now I'm not. Not so much anyway. One of the joys of growing older — I'm pushing 70 —is leaving behind all that's wrapped around who I really am. Peel off the encumbrances, the expectations, and live for the now. (At least on a good day.) I go to dark places, by nature, and will likely always do so. Perhaps that makes/made me neither a worrier or regretter, but rather someone who disappoints themselves. But now, less so. Ultimately, body aside, forging forward to 70's, I feel freer than I've ever felt. And, with the help of loving friends, family and a good shrink, I'm much more at peace, though I'll always look out for the evil eye. What does that make me?
I'm told my grandmother used to tie a red ribbon in my hair when I was out in my baby carriage (NYC, late '40s) to ward off the evil eye...so it's out there. I didn't mean to create boxes that everyone fits in. I'm sure many people migrate back and forth between regret and worry. I do wonder if your use of the word "disappoints" suggests regret, but maybe I'm just trying to pull you into my camp. I'm with you, by the way. A lot more peaceful now than I was when I was younger.
A worrier from way back. Blame it on growing up on Long Island but not sure why! Anyone have any ideas?
Can't comment on the Long Island thing, but I do have a theory (completely unscientific). It feels like Worriers are more concerned with how some aspect of the outside world might impact them negatively. Regretters are turned in on themselves. They're concerned about what they're responsible for that might have impacted others negatively.
Another terrific question. yes, I'm on Team Worrier, but not so much as my mother who was a Worry Queen supreme. I don't call it worrying, I call it anticipating possible outcomes but that's just words.
I find the semantic question fascinating. Someone below refers to regret as disappointment. Really an interesting topic to explore further.
I'm usually too engaged in the present to freak out about something that hasn't happened yet, or to wallow in what's already transpired. However, during Covid, at the request of a couple of archives, I found myself rummaging through the past looking for photos and newspaper clippings. I started out happy to do it, but as the project proceeded I slowed down. I'd come face to face with all the fun I used to have. I felt like an old lady trapped in the past because the present is so lack lustre. An old lady who was packing her bags, passing things on, lightening the load. If there wasn't a worldwide pandemic I'd still be cranking up community events. Art shows, performance art, rowdy parties... Sigh! Once I boxed it all up and shipped it off I lightened up and got myself back in my happy place. The present!
You are an exemplar of staying present. Please don't feel burdened by the passing things on part though. Being a keeper of the historical record is a deeply important function and I thank you for doing it.
Lately I enjoy listening to a radio station that plays music from the late 50’s through the 70’s.I love dancing to this music and it makes me happy to hear it! Definitely pulls me into a time when I was a kid and through my 20’s. I would not call this regretting. I’d call it having fun with old joyful memories.
Absolutely. The past has a lot to recommend it and it's still all there inside of us.
I used to be a worrier, or what I'd call a highly anxious person, but now I'm not. Not so much anyway. One of the joys of growing older — I'm pushing 70 —is leaving behind all that's wrapped around who I really am. Peel off the encumbrances, the expectations, and live for the now. (At least on a good day.) I go to dark places, by nature, and will likely always do so. Perhaps that makes/made me neither a worrier or regretter, but rather someone who disappoints themselves. But now, less so. Ultimately, body aside, forging forward to 70's, I feel freer than I've ever felt. And, with the help of loving friends, family and a good shrink, I'm much more at peace, though I'll always look out for the evil eye. What does that make me?
I'm told my grandmother used to tie a red ribbon in my hair when I was out in my baby carriage (NYC, late '40s) to ward off the evil eye...so it's out there. I didn't mean to create boxes that everyone fits in. I'm sure many people migrate back and forth between regret and worry. I do wonder if your use of the word "disappoints" suggests regret, but maybe I'm just trying to pull you into my camp. I'm with you, by the way. A lot more peaceful now than I was when I was younger.
Perhaps you're right and it's a question of semantics. One woman's disappointment is another's regret. Yep, getting old does have some perks.