Life can feel like a broken record at times, replaying again and again the same painful melody of missed opportunities, broken promises, and regrettable choices. These create a lingering bitterness in our life, serving as constant reminders of what could have been. But within this cacophony of regret, a fragile hope shines through —  the possibility of a second chance. 

"Are you willing to give it your all for the chance of a new start?"

Ten minutes, the only given time for you to meet someone from the past again. Ten minutes to tell them everything you’ve been wanting to tell. But after that, you have to live with all the lingering loneliness and what-ifs because nothing will change. Even if you cry your heart out or plead,  – nothing will change. Will you still take the chance? 

If you could go back, who would you want to meet?

Would you want to meet your best friend from 10 years ago? The one you shared your little secrets with. The one you run to when everything gets tough. Would you go back and rekindle all the memories you have shared? All the little talks under the moonlit night. And the whispers and giggles while talking at the back of the class. Then in a snap, everything changed. Everything was gone. The one you once promised you would spend your life with, even giving them a space in your own house – just in case they would be kicked out of their own house. Would you want to meet them again and hug them tighter? Telling them how much you miss them and what you could give up just to have them back. But then, nothing will change. They would still slip away from your fingertips nonetheless. 

Or would you rather meet your mother when she was still at your age? 16 and enjoying her life to the fullest as if her whole life was meticulously planned. The kind and sweet girl who loves to look at the flowers blooming outside while wearing this beautiful summer hat given by her mother. A lovely girl with these eyes that turns into a crescent moon whenever she sees dogs passing by not minding how it could be possible for them to bite her. A carefree one. What would you say if you had met her? That her cooking is one of the best food you have ever tasted even though sometimes it lacks spices and such? Would you tell her you love how she takes care of and fends for your needs? Would you finally tell her that you love her?  But nothing will change still. Even if you had told her all these things, in the present she would still think that you hate her cooking as you were never an outspoken child.

If you could rewind back time, where would you steer the chance given to you? 

I have never been a fan of recalling the past. That relentless feeling of longing for the what-ifs and lingering almost. A devastating yet comforting sensation that makes you shiver. But I would be lying if I say I have never reminisced about the past. How countless of what-ifs never crossed my mind every single day. How scenes from years ago never played inside my brain like a historical and somehow comedic film that seeks a good ending. 

Maybe, it was human nature after all — how we constantly yearn for second chances.

The human nature that craves redemption. We yearn to rewrite the past, to mend fences, and to reclaim connections that have frayed. We see this desire manifest across generations, from the child desperately seeking forgiveness for a broken toy, to the adult longing to reconnect with a loved one after years of estrangement. 

Despite our best efforts, life does not have a  convenient pause button – we cannot simply hit rewind. Time marches forward, and the consequences of our actions can leave permanent scars. Some bridges may be burned beyond repair, and people may have moved on, leaving the space they once occupied in our lives that can never be filled again. 

The concept of second chances is not just about the interpersonal relationships that we have. It extends to the missed opportunities and unfulfilled dreams. Oh, how it reminds me of the unimaginable dreams my best friend and I once shared under the scorching heat. The dream of spending our days going around the world. While wasting all the evenings talking about the difficulties faced in the corporate world. And picturing how happy both our mothers would be if they got the chance to live their dreams just like how we got the chance to become who we are today. 

We may not be able to relive the past, but we can learn from it. 

The strong desire for a second chance can have a powerful hold over our thoughts and actions. It acts as a driving force that pushes us toward personal growth and self-improvement. When we acknowledge and learn from our past mistakes, we open ourselves up to transformation and development. Regret, despite its painful definition, can motivate us to make meaningful changes in our lives. We become more mindful of our actions, cultivate healthier relationships, and make choices that align with our values.

Does action speak louder than words?

Even the fact that we tried our best, the decision to offer a second chance ultimately lies with the one who was hurt. Second chance is a gift, freely given, and can never be demanded, despite the relationship that the person used to have with us. It requires more than just mere words. Some may choose to embrace reconciliation, while others may find closure in letting go. Respecting their choice, regardless of how difficult it may be, is an essential part of the process. Therefore, I firmly believe that —  action without words is just simply confusing and at the same foolish.

To dream is to embrace changes.

Many people would say that —  once the sun gleams, it symbolizes new beginnings. The path to second chances is never easy. It requires humility, courage, and a commitment to self-improvement. A gentle reminder that we are not defined by our mistakes. With a willingness to learn, a sincere desire to change, and a touch of hope, we can rewrite the soundtrack of our lives, transforming the echoes of regret into a melody of redemption.  

After all, life is meant to be lived.