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Quite often individuals find themselves having regrets over certain issues later in life. Such moments spring from poor or wrong choices made years ago while growing up or in adulthood. Without a doubt some wrong choices bite hard. However, there are red flags that can help one now to avoid negative irredeemable outcomes.
Opportunities missed earlier in life
I have not forgiven myself for the stock I carelessly missed buying in Nigerian Breweries Plc many years ago. The opportunity came and I had a small amount I could have invested. From one unnecessary excuse to another, I delayed until the public offer closed. If I had invested the money in the blue chip company back then, I would today be very happy as the value of the stock rose and has remained high. Again, I know about one man who was among the very set of people who won the American visa lottery while in the village. The moment his letter arrived, relatives encouraged him to get to the embassy and do the necessary things. At least, be in contact and take the next necessary steps. He claimed the embassy will always reach out to him. The celebrated winner lazily missed all opportunities, details and dates for various requirements following the big win. He waited for the embassy till eternity until that visa lottery expired in his hands. Before his eyes, the wonderful opportunity slipped through his hand till date.
For some others, there were job opportunities one missed carelessly. A little push was all that one needed, some courses one should have pursued in school, and extra studies that could have been done in the dead of the night, to scale the bar and be on track to the breast the tape of success. But these sites were not taken. And today the affected individuals are filled with regret. Again, some regret the tasks and responsibilities they refused to undertake with the seriousness required to achieve success. What of the lies told and time wasted? Men and women regret missing the men or women they could have married. Overwhelmed by the sense of loss, they just wish the hands of the clock could go back, to enable them grab the lost opportunities. But alas, they have gone with the wind. That is why individuals should watch out for the red flags.
Marrying for the wrong reason
Men and women who possibly made this mistake in life, would also find it difficult to correct the error now that they are in later life. Some went into pure transactional marriages without looking out for the red flags or they deliberately ignored them. Some were more concerned about the wealth status of the proposed spouse’s family background and what they would gain from the union. Much later in life, when reality has set in, they would begin to gnash their teeth in regret. Do not marry just to copy your peers or due to pressure. Commune with God, to be able to make a wise marital choice.
The parents you despised
So many youths are in deep enmity with their parents because of their new lifestyle. They are the Genzes, some of whom are not ready to create value in life. They want an easy and soft life which translates into chasing shadows. With the discovery of artificial intelligence (AI) and various cybercrimes, hard work is no longer for the Genzes. Instead life should be as easy as they want. Parents who are toiling daily for their future to be bright are branded ‘Old generation, who have little or no knowledge of how things are today. Plain old school. Some disobey their parents and devote an unduly long time to social media and peer pressure, which eventually destroys them.
But then, come what may, your parents remain your parents because you came from their loins. They have innate powers over you, which was given to them by God. Therefore, young ones please always listen to your parents. A dear sister of mine who resides in the US told me, “I am where I am today because of the prayers of my parents.” The older one gets, the more one sees the value of disciplined parents. Get close to them and do their bid before it is too late.
Aborted pregnancies
For both men and women, the yesteryear abortions may still be hurting and haunting one way or the other. As a young fellow, the fear of the unknown is the reason why both men and women go into abortion. So many ladies who went through this path regret it the most. Most especially those who went into marriage and had not been able to give birth. If they had delivered such babies, it could have been their soft landing in life. In Africa, children make a family complete and they become the social security of their parents in old age.
Bridges burnt along the way
Growing up as teenagers and young adults, we care little about relationships and the people whose feelings we offended. Some used office romance and gossip to trample on others, ending people’s destiny just because they wanted to climb higher on the ladder. Yes, making it in life is fantastic, but must you burn the bridges before he or she makes it. There are organizations where bosses sack colleagues because of competing interest in a female staff. Some bosses think the juicy positions, official opportunities including travelling and conferences are meant for them only. They eat the fruits of a particular position alone while abandoning members of their team, including people they should help. Many use power, position, relationship and authority to trample on people’s progress. But these bad actions usually catch up with them later in life. And that’s when they would realize how empty life is without love and friends. Be careful.
The body you messed up
We all know that we have only one body to live with all our lives. Today, medical science has made it possible for people to get costly body reconstruction and enhancement surgeries, for breast, nose, buttocks and tummy tuck. But years after, the individuals who went under the knife for these or other body enhancement surgeries begin to regret starting the process.
Apart from body reconstruction surgery, individuals also abuse their bodies with illicit drugs, excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking. These are all bad habits cultivated for years without giving consideration to the implications. Gradually they destroy their bodies while at the same time inviting various illnesses.
Dreams suspended, talents not used
What was your talent as a young person? What craft or arts would you have loved to develop now? Apart from normal academics, what other skill impressed you as a young person, but you neglected it? Well, you can still nurture those talents, exploit them, and do not give up even if you encounter setbacks. Live up to your dreams. If you give up, you will regret them when you look at your peers who stuck to what they had passion for. Pursue a career, study a course you love. Do not waste years of your life in a field that would not give you fulfillment.
The wealth you threw away
Who are the prodigal sons and daughters in the house? Are you wasting good money in your productive years? Are you the type that extorts money meant for valuables from your parents just to go night clubbing, gambling, buying unnecessary aso-ebi and the latest fashion in town? Have you converted investment into a reckless and wasteful lifestyle? Stop and start investing that money. Widen your revenue stream, make that money work for you and keep it safe to support you in your old age. You can leave an inheritance for your loved ones when you are focused.
God you turned away from
When you are much older, you become wiser. God becomes more real as you see life in a more meaningful way. But do not wait to get older to start enjoying a relationship with God. Know God when you are young. Build your future with God. Do not be a young rebel who runs back to God when age catches up.
This might sound callous, but to realize the value of one minute, ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane. To realize the value of one week, ask an editor of a weekly newspaper. Time waits for no one. Treasure every moment you have.
