We all regret things we have said, done, or thought. Or maybe, we regret most the things we haven't said, thought, or done. Oftentimes, we feel helpless in this regret, as if the time has passed and there is no way to make  amends. 

A tip I wrote in the past, Say It Now Say it Often, encourages you to say the things you need to say to people before it is too late. The recent tragic incidents in Boston and West, Texas certainly underline how important that it is.

I saw a lovely story on CBS Sunday Morning that offers a way to say what is needed even if the person we need to talk to is gone. A project started by a young writer has had far-reaching impact for hundreds of people. Jackie Hooper believes that even if the person we have hurt or haven't told what they meant to us is gone, we still can achieve closure by writing a letter to him or her. She even offers a Things You Would Have Said blog where you can send the letter you wrote.

Do you have any "if onlies" in your life. If so, self care for you may be writing down what you wished you had said. If the person is still here, you may even muster the courage to send that letter. If not, the very act of writing down your feelings may bring you closure and release from regret.