November 1931 cover of Woman's Home Companion
Artist: Marion Powers (1880-1963)
Just in case my quote is not readable on the beautiful magazine cover above, it reads:
"Regret should never be brought as a covered dish to the Thanksgiving Day table."
Life can be filled with regrets, can't it? I don't remember who the author was who wrote about her tendency to try to "houseclean the past," but it is something I battle too. Instead, I'm now trying to keep in mind a wise quote from Katherine Mansfield who wrote: "Regret is an appalling waste of energy; you can't build on it; it's only good for wallowing in."
I had promised my readers a one sentence post today after the long previous one but felt that it needed a little explanation. Maybe you'll join me in not wallowing on Thanksgiving Day?
Dear Dewena,
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I spotted your thumbnail of the pretty painting and intriguing title of your post in my blog list, I knew I was in for a treat. Your quotation is insightful, wise... and challenging, as you, yourself, admitted. I have repeated it, like a magical mantra, promising hope, several times already, while writing this comment, as I cannot get past its visual, as well as literal substance!
Your very neat and pretty handwriting somehow puts a stamp of approval on the meaning of the message, a kind of personal guarantee, as if you're saying, ''I give you my word. Taste this, give it a try!", as you lift the cover of the dish you are carrying to the Thanksgiving Day table, for all to admire, as they anticipate its flavour, and a freeing sense of wonder floats above the bountiful feast.
Wishing you a joyous day!
Love,
Poppy
That is a beautiful quote. I use to have alot of regrets until I started thinking that regrets should mean we should work harder at not having any in the future.
ReplyDeleteDewena, I wish all adults would go to family functions and just be civil. Life is too short to have regrets. Blessings to you, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteHi Dewena, I remember when I changed my life entirely at age 40 in order to save my sanity. My best friend said I would regret my actions. I have not for one moment had regret. I agree with this wisdom of yours. xo, olive
ReplyDeletelove the quote and now must go back and read your previous post, Dewena.
ReplyDeleteWe cannot change the past. Regret is wishing we could. Acceptance is knowing that no matter how things have unfolded in your life you were learning lessons, even if you weren't aware of it at the time. Only go forward and try to do better. I love the Maya Angelo quote...when we know better we do better.
ReplyDeleteoh how i love simple wise words. delivered like a small treasure of only two or three lines.
ReplyDeletethis is one i shall keep with me. in my mind.
i have spent too much time in useless regret.
it's pointless. and an energy user.
maybe we could have done it differently. maybe not. it's over.
life is now.
thank you dear heart! XOXO
Wise quote!!!
ReplyDeleteand something to really think about
Thank you Dewena.
Very good advice. Love the quote. True nothing can be changed by dwelling on the past...you can only change the future.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quote, Dewena...truly "food for thought," therefore a perfect sentiment for Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great quote, Dewena. I try to let my regrets go daily-but I do have a tendency to pick them up again on the morrow sometimes. We just keep plugging along as best we can, don't we? xo Diana
ReplyDeleteEXCELLENT!!!!
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
I'm with you Dewena!
ReplyDeleteSooooo excited about Thanksgiving!!
Having a house full and have been cleaning the house, dusting, and even washing curtains!!
Kinda like the children's book - The Family Is Coming!!
LOVE having a house full!
Have a great one!
Thank you for bringing this to the table for us and reminding us (or me) that although we have to deal with our regrets there is a place for them...not the Thanksgiving table or is it any table weren't we taught to say grace...at every meal. Regrets and Gratitude don't mix well, and perhaps during this upcoming holiday season some humble pie should on the menu, consumed and digested. I am one to talk huh with my past haunting me and my future mocking me... all I can hope for is to handle my past, present and future, and oh my Lord, the holidays with Grace .....Thank you Marisa
ReplyDeleteI'll join you! This is the year for it here, Deweena, with Brandon's loss. Thank you so much for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteNo problem; no wallowing. That'll be easy~~my brother, the investor, will be our guest and he fills the air with monologues to money! We just listen with admiration of his knowledge.
ReplyDeleteDewena, your quote and thoughts are excellent. Regarding regret, Lucille Ball said, "I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done." Interesting insight, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteWise words indeed! Never did anyone any good to wallow in the past. Just pick yourself up and look forward to a brighter future. Each day is what you make of it!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Wonderful quote Dewena. Wallowing is not a good thing. I think we all feel regret at one time or another, but we learn and move on. There always a brighter tomorrow. xo Linda
ReplyDeleteI love the vintage magazine cover, and what a wonderful quote! Yes, we need to leave our regrets behind - a hard thing to do. Good post! laurie
ReplyDeleteHi Dewena, We can't go back so why dwell on it? Great quotes!
ReplyDeletexx,
Sherry
Regret is like worrying...it keeps you busy but gets you no where. I suppose it's normal to sometimes look back and wonder 'what if', but our lives are our lives and it is meant to be appreciated for what it is.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, why is it we become wise when we are older? Sure could have used it earlier on...:) I only have one sibling and we no longer communicate and my holidays are much less about the stress and much more about my family! I love these holidays now...before they were all work and no fun. I have got to say that at this point holidays are better than OK!
ReplyDeleteDewena,
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower, dear Poppy sent me to you!! Your outlook, is inspiring and so beautifully written As I was reading your post, I thought of Frank Sinatra and his song "My Way,"-regrets he had a few, but too few to mention. Oh, we know that is not true - really for any of us-but as we accept the twists and turns of life, we come to realize that perhaps the course we had planned to carefully was not to be. So we must make the most of what we have, maintain a positive attitude and when all else fails smile and be gracious!
With Warmest of Hugs,
Jemma
Great quote! Regrets hold us all back from experiencing happiness! The Thanksgiving Table should be the happiest place of all . (That's why we go to a restaurant where everyone behaves! LOL!)
ReplyDeleteOh, Dewena I so enjoyed your blog! I am a follower!!! I too have my favorite chair...right next to the fireplace where Elvis (our Yorkie) and I curl up for a good read!
ReplyDeleteStay well new friend and have a blessed weekend!!