73-year-old shares the valuable lesson she learned from her biggest regret and it's very insightful

Our mistakes are our greatest teachers. Nothing teaches you better than the life you've lived and you learn the best from your mistakes. Books and advice can go a long way but your experience serves as the foundation stone of your perspective on life. Several people can give the best advice because their life experiences has allowed them to gain better perspectives on certain situations. A 73-year-old shared one such valuable piece of wise counsel when asked what lesson she'd learned from her biggest regret.

William Rossy (who goes by @sprouht on Instagram) shared a  a brief conversation he had with a couple on the streets of New York. He asked the couple, who are in their 70s, one question, "What is one regret that you have or one mistake that you have made that you learned a valuable lesson from?" The 73-year-old woman went on to answer his question and her response is one we all need to hear. She answered, “We both love to travel,” and continued to speak about what they regretted not doing over the past years.

She said, "I think we waited until we thought, 'Oh we can afford that. Now we can't afford that, we have to focus on our careers.'" She was speaking of their prime years when they were young or young adults and had probably just gotten married. This is an idea most of us carry, to travel and explore when we can afford it. She went on to say that it would have been more fun to travel when they were younger to less nice places. She explained, "You know you could do it. You don't care as much." Rightly, she was emphasizing their young enthusiasm and energy that would have made up for the experience even if they had to be in a mediocre or less popular location.

She continued, "We didn’t start traveling till we were about 50. Yes, we can afford the nicer places to go but it would have been much more fun to be able to do the nice backpack stuff." She was elaborating on the fact that spontaneous and adventure-oriented travel can often make more vibrant memories than a planned, expensive one. What she was trying to say was that there is never a right time. You have to put yourself out there when you feel like it. There will be obstacles but they can't hold you back when you're fueled by energy and passion. 

Viewers found this insight relatable and a lot of them shared their thoughts on the matter. @okaywahtsnext said, "Hostels, backpacking, public transportation, and hitchhiking in a foreign country is the most exciting type of travel you'll ever experience and more affordable than you think. Do it while you're young." @jodesjett said, "So true. I sacrificed some key career options in my 20s and 30s but I traveled a lot, and just like they say, wasn't fussed about luxury. They are right, travel when you are young and not locked into obligations. You will catch up later."

Everyone is overwhelmed about starting as adults and before you know it, responsibilities come one after another. Don't wait to live, celebrate each moment. You'll find more meaningful treasures in these moments and they'll set the base for your career and other aspects of life.