My mom and I just finished our summer vacation which began as a quick one to see the Boss, Bruce Springsteen, for his two dates in Milan. It evolved into an epic ten-day adventure around Northern Italy. While it was an absolutely an incredible time, upon our return, along with my typical post-show and post-vacation blues, I was left with overwhelming feelings of regret that I haven’t seen Bruce more and that I haven’t traveled more. Believe me, I understand that it’s a privileged life to say that two of my biggest regrets in life (so far) are not following a band even more than I have and not taking more vacation time, but the feelings that come with regrets are universal, especially for those regrets birthed from chances not taken.
After witnessing the final show of Springsteen and the E Street Band’s latest tour (more to come on that experience), along with always having his and the majority of the band’s age in the back of my mind, my prevailing thought is I wish I had seen them more between now and when I fell in love with them following my first show in Nashville in 2009. As much as I cherish the shows My mom and I just finished our summer vacation which began as a quick one to see the Boss for his two dates in Milan. It evolved into an epic ten-day adventure around Northern Italy. While it was an absolutely an incredible time, upon our return, along with my typical post-show and post-vacation blues, I was left with overwhelming feelings of regret that I haven’t seen Bruce more and that I haven’t traveled more. Believe me, I understand that it’s a privileged life to say that two of my biggest regrets in life (so far) are not following a band even more than I have and not taking more vacation time, but the feelings that come with regrets are universal, especially for those regrets birthed from chances not taken.
After witnessing the final show of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s latest tour (more to come on that experience), along with always having his and the majority of the band’s age in the back of my mind, my prevailing thought is I wish I had seen them more between now and when I fell in love with them following my first show in Nashville in 2009. As much as I cherish the shows that I’ve been fortunate enough to see, the ones I’ve missed eat away at me because I know that nothing lasts forever, not even the greatest band or entertainer in the world.
Not only was I lucky enough to get to see Bruce, I got to see him in Italy with my mom. Truly, a special vacation. Again, however, such a trip just reminds me of those I didn’t take with my parents. In 2016, I missed their European vacation (yes, I swear I was invited) because of what I thought were necessary obligations, along with a 220lb noose that’s since been cut), and in 2018, I left early from another trip because of PTO constraints. Missing out on that precious time with my parents wasn’t worth any work or life commitment that I was facing. Hell, I can barely remember where I was working at the time, let alone the actual obligations “keeping” me home. But I absolutely remember and regret each destination I didn’t get to visit with them because of my fear of failure or what I thought I had to do.
Regardless of what they are or what they’re root3ed in, fallout from taking action is rarely worse than the fallout from regret of not. Most obligations truly aren’t that important in the grand scheme of things or they will still be there once we return, but time and opportunities slip away forever. So, go to all the Springsteen shows and all the vacations you can. Start that business. Begin that relationship. You’re the author of your life – write the damn book!
Bored Sighs 
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