Regret-Free Living by Stephen Arterburn

This book is filled with truth to offer solid ways to have no regrets (or fewer of them) in almost any relationship.

"The reason so many people have such a problem comprehending the toxicity of their own resentment is that resentment seethes at a person's deepest level. It lies festering and slowly rolling away beneath everything its host does, says, and thinks."

The above shared quote really spoke to me for I have been on or seen both sides of resentment. I have watched others poison their entire lives with the resentment they held for someone and I have felt it myself and been consumed by it.

The entire book shares strong ways of not allowing negative emotions and thoughts hold you hostage. When we live with a clean conscious, regrets lose their power.

Stephen Aterburn shares the need to assess the good and bad relationships in your life ... to carefully look at them.  He suggests taking input from friends on your strengths and weaknesses in their relationships with you and to survey the relationship history. Reflect on where things have gone wrong in those where there is a break or problem.

From that place in the book, I found myself underlying entire paragraphs of information, which challenged me, made me look deeper into my heart and taught me a great deal.

Some of the highlights this book gives: I'm adding the actual chapter titles, my notes and some of the author's quotes from each section.

* Acknowledging your responsibility. Assess the wrong you've done according to the standards of Jesus.

* Stop the bleeding. Withdraw. Step back. Take a second look.

* When It's Not Getting Better. Before letting go, do everything you can to make it right. "To lose your dignity means to betray yourself.  And you never feel any regret as deeply as that of having betrayed your own self."

It is hard to narrow down all this book shares. Do yourself a favor and take the time to read the book yourself ... it is overflowing with rich truth to help in all life's relationships!

I'll close with what Mr. Arterburn gives as Six Qualities of a Happy, Regret-Free Relationship

1. Affection.
2. Respect.
3. Shared Values.
4. Honesty.
5. Trust.
6. Freedom to be.

I am so glad I read this book and will likely refer others to read it in the future.


This book was sent to me from Bethany House publishers in exchange for my honest review.