365 Q&A #37: If I Could Turn Back Time

Today's writing prompt asked a question that took me almost the whole day to answer. I sat with it all day contemplating, going back and forth, wavering on my answer. This question really allowed for some internal reflection.

Is there a moment from your past that you wish you could change?

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If you could go back in time and do something differently would you? I've read countless books and seen many a film that center on the idea of a "do-over" and the repercussions that follow. The idea of time is something that is ingrained into our brains. We never truly feel like we have enough of it but time is a construct. Something created by man that rules our lives. One of my favorite books that deals with this issue is The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom (highly recommend this book along with any of his others). The novel follows Father Time's road to redemption and freedom from the construct of time; something he created. In order to achieve such freedom he must demonstrate the true meaning of time to two people; the first, young woman looking to end her life and the second, an old business man looking to become immortal.

The concept of time and time travel has been around for hundreds of years (thank you H.G. Wells!). Every year some new film or novel comes up with another way to time travel. The idea is always fresh in our minds. Will we ever see it come to fruition? Who knows? Given the opportunity I would travel back in time to visit different centuries and see how others lived. I may also make slight changes in my immediate families past to make sure they were better off mentally, not necessarily financially; I would want them to be leading more happy lives in the present.

Personally, there are moments where I hurt people that I wish I could go back and change. I think time travel would allow me to back and stop myself from hurting those people. As I've grown I've really come to understand the quote, "Words are powerful. Choose them wisely". I'm not sure where I first heard this quote or who said it but I am now much more careful with my words. I choose to think before I speak/act. I've made mistakes and I'm learning and growing from them. The lessons I've learned, and continue to learn, have shaped me into who I am today. I still have a lot to learn, especially when it comes to effectively communicating with others in sharing what I am feeling instead of keeping it inside. I'm lucky enough to have friends who call me out on this (you know who you are). I'm also learning to live and let live as the saying goes. As someone who is empathic and extremely sensitive to the needs of others around her, I tend to put others feelings and emotions before my own. However, you can't pour from an empty cup. It's something I continue to struggle with but I'm trying to invoke some sort of self-care everyday. Whether it be exercise, writing, reading, watching one of my favorite TV shows or films or even taking my dog out for a walk. Anything that puts my mind at ease and makes me feel at peace.

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Would you go back in time and change anything? Let me know in the comments!