Don’t cry over spilled milk

Sherri T.

These were the wise words of Libbie, mother of dear friend Margie F.  Of course, Libbie is not the first mother, or parent for that matter, to provide this guidance. 

The expression “don’t cry over spilled milk” is a proverb that has been cited for hundreds of years.  Its staying power speaks volumes about the value of these words. They basically encourage us not to dwell on the past or on things we can’t change. Not to waste precious time mulling over what might have been.

We may have said something we regret. Or we may have done something we wish we hadn’t. But spending time crying over spilled milk won’t make things better.

The spilled milk advice turns our attention instead to tomorrow – what we have learned from our mistakes and what we would do differently in future.

Another important message in Libbie’s words: It’s not the end of the world.

When Margie was a young girl, she recalls giving her friend a lovely birthday gift she had wanted to keep for herself.  Libby suggested that she not cry over spilled milk.  It was really not the end of the world.  While Margie gave the special gift to her friend, she knew she would likely receive one day an equally nice (please let it be the same) present.

The mother of friend Harriet had similar advice.  She would say: “Don’t look in the rearview mirror.”  

Of course, the rearview has its purposes. It is essential for understanding the past. For drawing on life lessons. For appreciating our heritage.

But the rearview tells us only where we have been. It is also vital to look forward and focus instead on what could be.

In the realm of looking forward, we should note that February 11, 2020, is “National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day” in the US. (I know, I didn’t believe it either. Google it.)

It is a think-positive day to remind us to look on the bright side.  It’s a life-is-too-short-so-don’t-sweat-the-small-stuff kind of day.

Libbie, no doubt, would have thought-positive about both the message and the moment. Thank you, Libbie, for your “don’t worry, be happy” positive wisdom.