YOLO. But seriously.

Turns out we can’t protect ourselves from regret.

As a therapist there are some things you hear over and over, because it’s a protective response against threat, or harm.

“I don’t want to get disappointed, so I’m not going to get excited.”

“I don’t want to do something I’ll regret”

“What if it doesn’t work out?”

Here’s the thing. We don’t love pain. And truthfully, I don’t love pain, but have recognized that there is a greater function to that emotion and experience. Nothing changes us more profoundly than pain.  

We have these incredible adaptive responses inside of us. We are neurobiologically meant to struggle and problem solve to help us grow and develop resiliency. The amazing thing is that our biology is meant to screw up, and struggle and pivot and redirect. That’s where the magic is.

There’s a lot of chatter in the world, encouraging consistent delivery of perfection on a shiny platter. It’s a delicious idea, to think of not having to feel the pain or sort through the mess. Unfortunately, that’s not what our bodies and brains were built for. So I say, YOLO. Make a mess. Embrace the chaos and learn from the lessons it teaches you. Life will be easier, decisions will be clearer and you will be moving through your days with ease and purpose.