That ship has sailed...

A few weeks ago, I was lamenting a missed opportunity and a friend said to me...that's too bad, but that ship has sailed. Those words have stayed with me and I've used them on others to remind them to get over it (whatever it is).

Now that 2007 is almost over, I have been thinking about all the good things that happened in my life and also some of the things that I might wish to have happened differently. As soon as a regret pops into my skull, I say to myself...oh well, that ship has sailed.

I've found this a great metaphor to remind myself to look forward and not live in the past. I like the idea of a New Year, it's like a fresh start. The slate is wiped clean and I can dream and plan for an even better future.

Sometimes sorrow and pain dominate our thoughts and it's damn difficult to just say, oh well, that ship has sailed. However, maybe that sorrow and pain was actually a gift? In order for there to have been those feelings, there must have been something worthwhile that was lost. So embrace the gift that was. Life is made difficult or easy to a large part by how you choose to interpret experiences. And if you will allow it, the intensity of feelings, fades with time.

So I'm excited about the new year and when I think back on; love lost, opportunities wasted, bad decisions and regrets, I'll be thinking...

oh well (insert big sigh here) that ship has sailed!

Eduardo