I had not really planned on taking a trip this time of year, and yet 
I found myself packing rather hurriedly. This trip was going to be 
unpleasant and I knew in advance that no real good would come of it. 

I'm talking about my annual "Guilt Trip." I got tickets to fly here 
on "WISHIHAD" airlines. It was an extremely short flight. I got my 
baggage, which I could not check. I chose to carry it myself all the 
way. It was weighted down with a thousand memories of what might 
have been. 

No one greeted me as I entered the terminal to the Regret City 
International Airport. I say international because people from all 
over the world come to this dismal town. As I checked into the Last 
Resort Hotel, I noticed that they would be hosting the year's most 
important event, the Annual Pity Party. I wasn't going to miss that 
great social occasion. 

Many of the towns leading citizens would be there. First, there would 
be the Done family...you know, Should Have, Would Have and Could Have.
Then came the I Had family. You probably know ol' Wish and his clan. 
Of course, the Opportunities would be present, Missed and Lost. 

The biggest family would be the Yesterday's. There are far too many of 
them to count, but each one would have a very sad story to share. Then 
Shattered Dreams would surely make an appearance. And It's Their Fault 
would regale us with stories (excuses) about how things had failed in 
his life, and each story would be loudly applauded by Don't Blame Me 
and I Couldn't Help It. 

Well to make a long story short, I went to this depressing party...knowing
that there would be no real benefit in doing so. And, as usual, I became 
very depressed. But as I thought about all of the stories of failures 
brought back from the past, it occurred to me that all of this trip and 
subsequent "pity parties" could be canceled by ME! I started to truly 
realize that I did not have to be there. I didn't have to be depressed. 

One thing kept going through my mind. I Can't Change Yesterday, But I Do 
Have The Power To Make Today A Wonderful Day. 

I can be happy, joyous, fulfilled, encouraged, as well as encouraging. 

Knowing this, I left the City of Regret immediately and left no forwarding 
address. 

Am I sorry for mistakes I've made in the past? Yes! But there is no 
physical way to undo them. So, if you're planning a trip back to the City
of Regret...please cancel all your reservations now. Instead, take a trip 
to a place called, Starting Again. I liked it so much...that I have now 
taken up permanent residence there. 

My neighbors...the I Forgive Myself and the New Starts are so very helpful. 

By the way, you don't have to carry around heavy baggage, because the load 
is lifted from your shoulders upon arrival. 

God blesses you in finding this great town. If you can find it...it's in 
your own heart...please look me up. I live on I Can Do It street. 

Author Unknown