Poem-Regret Not What You Have Never Tried-Response to Brenda’s Word Prompt-Week 20

I love poetry. I am a voracious reader and am passionate about writing. I have recently started my foray into poetry.

The wise never let regret affect them negatively. The best option is to learn from our mistakes and move on and resolve to make good of the opportunity that arise in future. Focusing on the positives of the decision we make helps us get over the regret of the missed opportunity. Using that regret as motivation for future endeavors helps in gaining success in future. The past regrets stimulate us to achieve our present goals and lead a more fulfilling life.

In the end we only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were afraid to have and the decisions we waited too long to make.

— Lewis Carroll

Brenda's Word Prompt this Week

Brenda our fellow writer at Hubpages, who is a gifted poet herself, provides wonderful word prompts every week to help us improve our creative skills. This week she gave us the word prompt 'Regret'. The moment I saw the word prompt, I had a flashback of my earlier days, my regret and how I dealt with it. so I decided to write a poem on the importance of seizing the opportunity when it comes and not letting past regret be an impediment in achieving our present dreams. I included a brief outline of the story of my regret and what inspired me to write this poem. I hope Brenda and my other hubber friends like it.

The Story of My Regret

When I graduated from college with a degree in science, my family and other relatives advised me to study further and get a Master’s degree. As my academic record was good, I guess everybody expected me to study further. But I was indecisive whether to take up a job or to study further. When I discussed this with my close friend, she said something which helped me take a decision. She said that I was lucky to get the opportunity to choose a career and be independent.

I believe that what we regret most are our failures of courage, whether it’s the courage to be kinder, to show up, to say how we feel, to set boundaries, to be good to ourselves. For that reason, regret can be the birthplace of empathy

— Brene Brown

My Decision

Not many get the opportunity of a good job. The uncertainty of the future is daunting and not having security and stability in life can be scary. I was lucky as I had the chance to support the family at a difficult time. What she said stayed with me and I decided to get the job. I whole heartedly wanted to help my family. Later I realized that I had made the right choice.

There is nothing more fulfilling than helping one’s family in times of need. I really liked my job and worked quite hard. I also got appreciation for my good work which was very satisfying. But I always had the regret that I could not pursue my dream and doubted my decision of taking up a job instead of studying further. I was interested in a career in research. But I did not let the regret stop me or give up on my goals. I just waited for the right time and chance to make my dream come true.

Opportunities were seized, regrets were had, and success was ultimately achieved..

— Cliff Lerner

The Opportunity That Came My Way

When I got the opportunity, I grabbed it and did my masters in the subject close to my heart, by studying on my own, alongside the job. Though I could not live my dream of doing research for the betterment of life, I started to write articles for improving health and wellness by simple changes in lifestyle and positive thinking. I am happy about this decision of mine as this is something which I always wanted to do.

This field is so much fun and enriching. I have made such good friends online from whom I get to learn and improve myself and at the same time share my experiences and knowledge with my friends and well-wishers. I am grateful to HubPages for helping me fulfill my dreams and to all my Hubpages friends for helping and supporting me in this journey.

Never look back in regret – move on to the next thing.

— Richard Branson

The Poem is About

This poem is about seizing opportunities when they come our way, or else we may regret not doing so later. Life is full of hurdles. We have no idea whether it will throw bouquets or brickbats at us and if we let a good chance pass us by because of self-doubt or indecisiveness, we will regret later in life. Not everyone gets a chance to prove his or her abilities. We should never look back and be daunted by past failures. It is inconsequential whether we win or lose. What is important is that we have tried our best. Not making an effort at all will lead to regret. In life it is never too late to realize one’s dreams. With grit and determination, we can achieve our goals.

The Poem

When opportunity knocks your door

Do not shut the door on its face

Seize the occasion and make it great

Or you will regret that you lost the race.

You dream of the things

You always wanted to do

Don’t give up them now

Who knows what tomorrow holds for you.

The road may be rocky

Too many ups and downs

And when the goal seems too far

Never be regretful, never give up.

Regret is not a word that you use

Whether you win or you lose

It is plenty that you did your best

You did all you could, gave no excuse.

Not everyone gets the chance

to prove his worth

You should rejoice in the moment

And consider it your rebirth.

If you keep looking back

You will never go forward

Cause You might regret it

when you are old and tired.

It is never too late

To do what you want

in the end it will all be worth it

To fulfill your long-cherished dream.

© 2021 VIDYA D SAGAR

Comments

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on July 18, 2021:

Thanks Linda for the visit and kind comments. Much appreciated. Living in the present and looking forward to the future is the best option. No point in regretting over the past. I am glad you liked the article. Have a great week ahead, stay blessed.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on July 18, 2021:

"If you keep looking back, you will never go forward." That's so true! Thank you for sharing the advice and the interesting article, Vidya.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on July 11, 2021:

Hi Rodric, thanks for the visit and comments. Much appreciated. I am sorry to know about your health. I admire your spirit of learning from the mistakes. With this attitude, you will surely attain success. You are a good writer. Yes writing on Hubpages has been a lifeline to me too. Take care friend, stay safe, stay blessed.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on July 11, 2021:

Hi Misbah, good to see you. Thanks for the visit and comments. Much appreciated. I am so glad you liked it. Stay safe, stay blessed my friend.

Rodric Anthony Johnson from Surprise, Arizona on July 10, 2021:

VIDYA, Your Poem inspired me! I put my dream to go to law school out of my mind because of my health. I have a new surge to attempt another, higher LSAT score and go for it again. I regret going to school, getting TWO master's degrees, and not using them for a career because my health failed me.

I tried to promote myself, unsuccessfully. I will take my time and see what God sends my way. If it works I will be happy. If I fail, at least I tried. I will have more regret in that area.

I loved your com-back story. You obtained your masters! Hooray! I am happy for you! I am so glad you reached your goal. Hubpages has been my line to life since I started getting sick with multiple ailments. Instead of sitting around feeling sorry for myself and stuffing myself with foods that make me worse, I write. This is my life: Family, Church, and HubPages. I am glad this place has enriched your life also.

Misbah Sheikh from The World of Poets on July 10, 2021:

Vidya, Your poem and story were both excellent. They are truly motivating and would inspire anyone to work on and achieve their goals. Fantastic and motivational!

Blessings and Love

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on July 10, 2021:

Thanks Pamela for your kind comments. Some decisions like between a career and family or education are very difficult to make.There are bound to be regrets whichever option we choose. But I was lucky to get a second chance to fulfill my dreams. Regret helps us make better choices when opportunities arise in the future. I am glad you enjoyed reading my story and poem. Have a great weekend and stay blessed.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on July 10, 2021:

Thanks Bill for the visit and comments. I din't see your earlier comment either. I am glad you enjoyed reading my article again. I wish too that Hubpages would do something about this problem. I have a tough time searching for articles which I would have read and decided to comment later. Sometimes I miss them altogether. I am glad I didn't miss this one. Hope the weather has improved at your place. Enjoy your weekend Bill and have a blessed time.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on July 10, 2021:

Did I comment on this? I thought I did. Sigh! I enjoyed it, a second time. HP really must make it easier for us to find articles in the feed and comment on them, don't you think?

Blessings always

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on July 10, 2021:

I really enjoyed reading your story about how you got your education and choosing to help your family first, Vidya.

Your beautiful poem expresses everything perfectly it regards to regret and life choices. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.

Blessings.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on July 10, 2021:

Thanks Flourish. Yes necessity made me chose what I did. Though at first I regretted, I was lucky I got another chance to fulfill my dream. So we can say a positive outcome came out if the regret. Have a great weekend, stay blessed.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on July 10, 2021:

Thanks Peggy, for the visit and kind comments. I appreciate it Yes Peggy, I was really lucky there. A job was a necessity at that point of time in my life. I think I did a good thing by listening to my friend. Later Providence gave me another chance to fulfill my dreams. A right decision at the right time always works. Have a great weekend, stay blessed my friend.

FlourishAnyway from USA on July 10, 2021:

I'm glad that the choice you made was what you needed in your life. Your poem nicely summarizes life choices and regret.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on July 10, 2021:

Hi Sankhajit. Thanks for the visit and kind comments. I am glad you liked my post. Have a great day, stay blessed.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on July 10, 2021:

Thanks Chitrangada for the visit and nice comments. Yes it's never too late to achieve your goals. All you need is perseverance and determination. No point in living in regret. Have a great day and stay blessed.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on July 10, 2021:

Thanks Manatita. I appreciate your visit and comments. I am so glad you liked my response to Brenda's word prompt. Have a great weekend, stay blessed.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on July 10, 2021:

Thanks Lora. I appreciate your kind comments. I am glad you liked my response to Brenda's word prompt. Past regret should motivate us to value present opportunities and not miss them out. Have a great weekend, stay blessed.

manatita44 from london on July 10, 2021:

Very inspiring prose and poem. Filled with greT philosophy and advice. Sweet!

Lora Hollings on July 10, 2021:

I really enjoyed your article, Vidya. Your own story was a very good addition to your wonderful poem. If we dwell too much on things that we should have done, we may miss the opportunities that are right in front of us. How true! You did a fine job with Brenda's prompt.

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on July 09, 2021:

Hello Vidya Ji!

Nice response to the word prompt, regret. I liked reading your personal story, which will motivate many readers. Good of you to share it with others, who might get inspired to fulfil their dreams. It’s never too late, to begin, if someone has the strong will power to achieve something.

Thank you for sharing this.

Sankhajit Bhattacharjee from MILWAUKEE on July 09, 2021:

l enjoyed your creativity...marvelous post

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on July 09, 2021:

Thanks John for the kind comments. It means a lot to me. I am glad you liked it. Brenda's word prompts inspire us to share out stories and our inner thoughts which otherwise we would not have done I guess. It is sort of reliving. Have a great weekend, stay blessed my friend.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on July 09, 2021:

Thanks Rozlin for your kind comments. I worked really hard in my younger days and I am glad my story motivated my children. All my stuggle in life was worth it. My children turned out well. They are independent, hard working with good values. I am happy that I was a good role model to them. Have a great weekend, stay blessed my friend.

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on July 09, 2021:

Thanks Umesh, I am glad you liked my poem. Stay blessed

VIDYA D SAGAR (author) on July 09, 2021:

Thanks Brenda. I am glad you liked my response. Your encouraging comments mean a lot to me. Determination and perseverance are the key to achieving anything in life. Failures are the stepping stones to success. In my younger days, I was quite determined. Though I faced a lot of all difficulties, I never gave up on my dreams. I was driven and worked really hard. The moment I saw the word prompt this week, I remembered my own regret. So I though of sharing my story. Keep inspiring us with your wonderful word prompts. Have a great weekend, stay blessed.

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on July 09, 2021:

Vidya

In your introduction you tell us we should learn from our mistakes and resolve to make our future better.

I love the quote by Lewis Carroll.

In "The Story of My Regret" you tell us how you made a choice to take a job instead of furthering your studies at the time.

You felt rewarded & happy with the job but you always felt regret for not continuing your education.

Later you were given an opportunity and went for it and continued your masters along side of your job.

You tell us we should not look back at our past and be upset.

The only thing important is you tried your best.

It's never too late to find your dreams.

In your poem you tell us it is never too late.

If the opportunity presents itself we should try our best to seize it.

Don't look backwards, move forward ...for no one knows what tomorrow might bring.

This is a Wonderful article which proves it is never too late.

You were able to help your family & still get the reward you wanted with your education.

I have posted a link in the word prompt article.

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on July 09, 2021:

I posted a link in the article, but I haven't read this one yet.

I will.

Umesh Chandra Bhatt from Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India on July 09, 2021:

Very well conceived. Nice poem.

Rosina S Khan on July 09, 2021:

I loved your poem and article. They are truly motivational and would inspire anyone to work on their dreams and achieve them with hard work and perseverance. Your story and poem teaches us a lot in these respects. Thank you for the wonderful share, Vidya.

John Hansen from Gondwana Land on July 09, 2021:

Vidya, it was wonderful to read your story and that you never gave up on achieving your dream. The poem was also excellent. Thank you for sharing.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on July 09, 2021:

It is wonderful that you got your master's degree and were also able to help your family. It would seem that it all happened at the right time. A good bit of poetry to finish the back story of your life!

Rozlin from UAE on July 09, 2021:

Great response to Brenda's prompt, Vidya. I enjoyed reading your story and poem too. Thank you for sharing your story of regret. It's wonderful. Happy to know that finally you did your masters studies too. Thanks for sharing this beautiful hub. Blessings and Much Love , dear friend.