As I’m sure we all do, I often look back at the choices I’ve made with regret. If only I’d done that, or pursued this or not gone there. If I’d worked harder, ate less, exercised more, spent less, saved more, followed my dreams, figured out what my dreams were. Looking only backwards is a way if placing blame on younger me for not having my perfect life. It’s also a great way for older, creakier, flappier me to avoid working harder, eating less, exercising more, spending less, saving more…well, you get the point. Sometimes, though, looking back can be an opportunity to teach yourself about yourself. I was thinking about refinancing my mortgage to pay off some credit card debt. Now let me say first off, it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve done it or even the second. My gut feeling is it wouldn’t be the last. So for me, this time, I will take the harder road and pay off the debt, bit by bit. Work harder, eat less, spend less, save more, follow my dreams. Whatever they are.

Looking Back. carynjune