I reeeeally need to get out of London more often

Longing. Spiritual longing is said to be the center of the soul, the reason for its existence. In personal experience, regret serves as a bridge between the transcendent and the immanent. Regret is a longing felt by the ego's body, mind and emotions after having seen clearly the result of a choice which was not taken.

This longing must be as sacred as any other longing. The same way that interpersonal erotic love or parental love is a learning tool and practice for the love of god - longing for a timeline which wasn't chosen expresses longing for perfection.

So do not discourage someone who longs for a life which they did not choose.

Can you grab me another beer?