Category Archives: Regret

Things on My Mind

Posted on May 6, 2019 by John Swinburn

I learned yesterday that one of my brothers, from whom I unfortunately have been estranged for more than two years, is in the hospital. He is to undergo a heart catheterization and placement of a pacemaker as a prelude to … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Family, Frustration, Government, Politics, Rant, Regret, Stream of Consciousness, Writing | Leave a comment

Unbearable Mistakes

Posted on February 11, 2019 by John Swinburn

A quote attributed to North Carolina Republican Congressman Walter Jones, who died yesterday, saddens and moves me. “I did not do what I should have done to read and find out whether Bush was telling us the truth about Saddam … Continue reading →

Posted in Empathy, Justice, Regret | Leave a comment

An Old Illusion

Posted on July 15, 2016 by John Swinburn

I am afraid there is no home. Not anymore. Home was a place in our minds that protected us; protection is, today, a fantasy. Protection is a wish drowning in reality too ugly to call it by name.

Posted in Philosophy, Regret | 1 Comment

Lessons

Posted on February 13, 2016 by John Swinburn

Little by little, we learn the lessons of a lifetime. Some find their purpose as solutions to problems we encounter along the way. A few reshape us in profound ways, causing a new person to emerge from the changes they … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Regret | 1 Comment

Rational Choices

Posted on September 25, 2014 by John Swinburn

A rational choice is not always the right choice.  A choice arising from fear, even a rational fear, is not always a rational choice. I write this morning with an oblique reference few who read these words will understand.  But … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Regret | 1 Comment

Winning the Battle but Losing the Soul

Posted on May 3, 2014 by John Swinburn

Yesterday, I behaved in a way that is utterly counter to my stated belief in being compassionate and empathetic.  Even before the experience was behind me, I felt pangs of guilt and felt bad about the way I was behaving. … Continue reading →

Posted in Compassion, Empathy, Regret | 6 Comments

Finding Places–Ohio and Beyond

Posted on September 8, 2013 by John Swinburn

We started the trip on Tuesday, August 27, around 11:30 a.m.  We had planned to start it Monday (and before Monday, Sunday and Saturday and the week before…but never mind), but decided for a variety of reasons that we should … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Family, Food, Racism, Regret, Travel | 2 Comments

Regret

Posted on July 17, 2013 by John Swinburn

Regret is a dangerous thing.  It strives to tear down structures built with the blood, sweat, and unshed tears of a person who doesn’t understand the importance of her creations.  Regret cannot be permitted to succeed in destroying the beautiful … Continue reading →

Posted in Regret | 3 Comments

Pausing Regret

Posted on June 10, 2013 by John Swinburn

There is no room for regret in one’s life.  Choices, whether conscious or not, and their outcomes create that vessel we call our life.  Those choices, and the things thrust upon us, fill the vessel with memories.  The memories may … Continue reading →

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