Protected

Is it better to experience life making mistakes or to protect yourself from ever feeling such pain? Until now, I have lived my life protected from mistakes and from heartache. On the upside, I don't really feel like I have any regrets. On the downside, I don't really know what I believe because I've never tried things out. Has it been worth it? I have yet to decide.

After having my first drink last night, the world didn't suddenly cave in around me. I was still the same person. Because of my over-active guilt drive I felt a little sinful, but that was a minor feeling compared to just feeling healthy. Shouldn't I allow myself to have more experiences like that so I can actually grow as a person?

The problem with learning to experience life is that I'm afraid to have regrets. The few times I have taken risky steps it took me days of counseling from others to get over the feeling of guilt that followed. I think what I need to do is just go do something really crazy - get a tattoo, go get something pierced, get drunk with my friends - and then learn that it doesn't make me any less of a good person. (At least I think it doesn't...)