Regrets? I Have A Few

19 Apr

They say that a life without regrets is a life well lived. I’m not so sure about that. Looking back on my seventy-four years, there are a few things I wish I had done differently.

A graduate degree at 42.

When I was getting my Master’s degree at the University of Texas in 1994, my professor suggested that I continue for a PhD. She liked my research and thought I could parlay it into a dissertation. Without question I said no. I was too scared. It was a bigger vision than I could imagine for myself. I was raised in a time when women were given very low expectations.

Another time I was offered the position of manager for the clinic where I worked. Again, I turned it down. I had never been a manager (only of a home, and three kids, all while attending graduate school full-time.) I wish someone had offered me help, training and a boost to my self confidence.

As a woman of a certain era, I fought hard for every opportunity. I was the only girl of five children, and the only one to graduate from college, bought and paid for by myself.

It was impossible not to let the fear rule me. Fear was built into every story I was told, every underestimation, every time I was reminded that my place was in the home.

So yes I have a few regrets.

Living in paradise.

Today I am content with the way things turned out. I have an amazing partner, a beautiful home and a peaceful existence. If I had done any of the things I now regret, it might have turned out quite differently.

Portland 2025

So truthfully I have no regrets. At least that’s what I tell myself.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CiLn7YdNg/

DOS TORTAS

2 Responses to “Regrets? I Have A Few”

  1. LJones's avatar
    LJones April 19, 2026 at 9:05 am #

    oh my Alex – i am on my way out of the hotel in seattle – flew in last night late and will drive to Eugene today. So all i have time for is to say “me too” !!!! Every opportunity i had in my life that was “big”, i didn’t take bc of fear – bc of what i was always told- bc i didn’t think i could do it. Oh my …
    but like you, i like my life now…

    thank you for this, for your blog and your always impactful honesty – with love, Lorrie
    Lorrie Jones
    Simple Serenity
    simpleserenity.comhttp://simpleserenity.com/
    253.312.3117

    Liked by 1 person

Hey hey what have you got to say!

Emilie Vardaman

travel and random thoughts

Your Hand in Mind

Musings of a human factors engineer after her brain was released...

Surviving Yucatan

Smoothing out Mexico's rough spots.

Surviving Mexico

Adventures and Disasters

Perking the Pansies

Jack Scott's random ramblings

WordPress.com News

The latest news on WordPress.com and the WordPress community.