"Realmente no creo que la vida sea sobre lo que podría haber sido."

Life isn't about dwelling on missed opportunities or the things that might have been. It's about embracing the present and making the most of what you have now. Think about it: constantly looking back and wondering "what if" doesn't change anything, but it sure can keep you stuck in the past.

This idea strikes a chord because it's something we all struggle with at times. Maybe it was a job you didn't take, a relationship you let slip away, or a dream you never chased. These moments can haunt us if we let them. But here's the kicker—living in the "I could have" mindset does nothing but rob us of the "I can" moments happening right now.

Take a step back to the 2008 financial crisis. A lot of people lost their jobs, homes, and savings. It was a rough time. You could imagine someone who had invested in the stock market and saw their portfolio tank. They might've thought, "I should have sold my stocks earlier." But constantly replaying that decision doesn't help them recover. Instead, those who managed to move forward and focus on new opportunities eventually found ways to rebuild and thrive.

Let's bring it down to a more personal level. Picture a friend who always wanted to start a bakery. Life happened—kids, bills, the usual. Now, in their 50s, they can't stop talking about how they "could have" been a successful baker. But is that helping them now? Not really. What could help is taking a baking class for fun or even starting a small side gig selling cookies at the local farmers' market. It's a way to bring that old dream into the present, without getting bogged down by regret.

So, what's the actionable advice here? First, catch yourself when you're drifting into "could-have-been" territory. Acknowledge those thoughts but don't get stuck there. Shift your focus to what you can do today that aligns with your current goals and passions.

Imagine you're having coffee with a friend. They're lamenting about not traveling more when they were younger. They feel it's too late now—health issues, financial constraints, and so on. You could remind them that travel isn't just about jet-setting around the globe. They could explore nearby towns, try new cuisines, or even learn a new language. Encourage them to find small, meaningful ways to bring that sense of adventure into their life now.

We all have those moments of "what if." They're part of being human. But the trick is not to let them define us. Instead, use them as stepping stones to make better choices and take action today. It's not about erasing the past—it's about not letting it control your future.

So next time you catch yourself drifting into the realm of "could have beens," snap out of it. Focus on what you can do now. Because that's where the magic happens. Life's too short for regrets—let's make the most of the moment we're in right now.