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Some of my biggest regrets are the split-second actions as a parent at my wits end. Like you, those words that came out of my mouth.

That regret drives me to take care of myself so that I can be a better parent. Giving myself the grace of do-overs I guess

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Brother and sister from different mothers. Yeah this is an unexplored dimension of parenting. Thankfully you can do mea culpas the next day which I’m a huge fanatic of.

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Repair is my favourite word!

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I feel like repair, taking responsibility for our actions, and real apologies is possibly the difference between now and past generations.

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I hope historians capture these ever so small differences that produce such cascading effects.

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I’d have to go with cascade.

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I do this thing like timeline hopping: I tune into alternative realities and draw from the skills I would have learnt from those roads not taken.

I tune into the energy of that identity and utilise it to make my current existence more interesting and to not feel like those paths not taken are a loss.

Some were unavailable for decades.

I wonder if this is playing with regret or a creative way to avoid it. It is just like any exercise of Imagination, like writing fiction and…it works.

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Such a great way to fine tune decision making skills.

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Sep 24Liked by Todd Kashdan

A well laid out Butthole Surfers reference?

Dang it man. I’m not sure there is a better band to kick off these ideas about regret!

In response to one of your provocations, the metaphorical box contains a question about whether I could have handled being told that I was incorrectly admitted into a graduate program for psychology in my early 20s and had my spot taken away. (Just a call from the department head, no letter).

I often wonder what would have happened if I had been more assertive and fought for my place.

Alas - I look at the many cherished moments I’ve had since, and I realize that I have been fortunate to build a good life and interesting career.

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I originally put the name of the album but then realized people will hate me for it.

whew, that is a wild call. how could they not just own it and let you in after a faculty meeting? You just gave me the chills.

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Sep 24Liked by Todd Kashdan

Good call on avoiding the title (perhaps a curious reader will independently investigate!).

I actually boldly sent an email to that department head a couple years back -- they opted to ignore me, but I am happy that I finally found the courage to address it.

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