Buyer's Remorse

I love music. Who am I kidding? I really LOVE music. Some music can create a temporary vacation in my heart and mind, depending on the song of course. Country music can create the opposite of a vacation. Sorry Garth Brooks fans, but he isn’t very good.

Anyway, I recently found myself in need for some new headphones. I had some extra money set aside for this very occasion, so I decided to go a little big and purchase some high quality headphones. So I purchased my first pair of Skullcandy chrome FMJ’s. These babies were sweet and built very sturdy and the sound was amazing! But, after only a month of fair usage, they started to short out. The left ear eventually stopped working. Yes, I even caught myself leaning my head to one side thinking that it was my head’s position that was the problem. I was very angry. I had purchased only the mid to cheap headphones up to this point and the one time I decide to go big time and expensive, they didn’t even last a month?! Yeah, I was pissed. I did send them back and use the lifetime warranty to get them replaced, but instead of getting another pair of FMJ’s, I opted to get the FIXED ear buds instead.

So, I began to think about all the things I could have purchased with that money instead of those stupid expensive headphones. And I started to feel frustrated about the time I would be without a good pair of headphones while I waited for the replacement. I fell into what’s commonly known as buyer’s remorse.

Regret and I go way back. We have spent a lot of time together. One particular time when I almost overdosed on regret was when my friend Joe killed himself. Why didn’t I hang out with him more? Why wasn’t I a better friend?

Another glaring moment of regret is my mission. I also regret selling my 1969 mustang for my mission. I also regret getting married so young and starting a family so early. I think you get where I’m going. I have many, many regrets and it finds its way to overwhelm me at times.

I know, I know. I shouldn’t regret so much of my life. I wish I didn’t. I’m honestly working on it, believe me. I can hear you thinking, “Maybe he should spend a little more time looking forward instead of what is already behind him.” Fine. You wanna play the obvious card? I’ll accept that.

One of the things that I also use as a coping mechanism or way of healing is to accept what I have and find enjoyment in it. It’s certainly not easy, but it is what it is. My daughter recently told me how lucky and blessed she is. So I asked her why she feels that way. She then went on to explain the many problems and trials some of her friends at school have. One has a severe medical issue that requires heavy medication and the occasional surgery. She has had a surgery once a year for the past five years. One friend was severely sexually abused several years ago by a relative. One friend has 5 siblings and they live in a two bedroom apartment and she sleeps on the couch at night.

What I learned from that wonderful example of a daughter of mine is that I still have had a pretty good life. Why am I complaining about all that? I should be not only be looking forward but take some time in being thankful for what I have. So many others out there don’t have the same “privilege” that I have been blessed with. Count your blessings Tom. Sheesh.

So let me see if I can define the moral to this post. Find ways to enjoy good music, but not country music. You can buy expensive things, but they can still break. And it’s a real good chance your kids will be smarter than you and find creative ways to help you realize how selfish you are.