The Things We Don’t Want to Leave Behind
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
I wrote something this summer, and I think about it a lot.
Will I have regrets in my future?
Do you think about this?
How many of the things I do—or don’t do—now will I regret later?
You know… all those things I’ll never get around to doing.
Or all those things I did and wish I hadn’t.
I think, mostly, I think about the things I did and wish I hadn’t.
But really, the ones that scare me the most are the ones I’ll never get to do.
Those places I want to go.
Or those things I want to learn or do.
Maybe I’ll learn to play the guitar.
Maybe I’ll go to Wrigley Field.
I’ve never been to New York, Boston, or Seattle.
Or the big one—finally finishing and publishing that book.
I could go on and on. The list is so long, with so many open pages.
When you struggle with your health, it gives you a new perspective.
Your priorities change.
I no longer care about a big house.
A new car.
A boat.
Or a fancy dinner out.
Now, a great dinner—on the other hand—that’s what I’m talking about.
I want to savor every bite.
A sunset.
A mountain breeze.
The little moments that make me feel… well.
Like smiling.
That huge grin you just can’t seem to stop.
But back to the question—will I have regrets?
Most certainly.
If I don’t do something about it now, of course I’ll have regrets.
I think this is why I’m still here.
My life has been spared so many times because I have unfinished business.
I need to finish that book.
And I know I need to go and see all these people, places, and things.
And if I do…
I know later, I can sit in that wheelchair or lie in that bed, and I’ll be just fine.
Happy.
Knowing I did as much as I could with what I was given.
This is what I need.
This is what I want.
My whole life, I was searching for something.
And now I know what.
And why.
I’m searching for peace.
Fulfillment.
I want to feel satisfied.
And until then, I’m never going to be satisfied.
I’ll never be at peace.
I’ve got work to do.
Unfinished business.
And do you know what?
So do you.
Five months later, I found myself questioning this piece. You can read that reflection here → On Not Knowing
