- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AwarenessLifestyleMental Health
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- 3rd Saturday of July
- Holiday emoji:
- 🕊️
Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day arrives every third Saturday in July, encouraging us to release the burden of past regrets. Created by Martha J. Ross-Rodgers, this day is a powerful call to live fully in the present. Take time to reflect, write down what holds you back, and then symbolically let it go. Embrace a future unburdened by ‘what ifs’ and ‘should haves’.
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History of Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day
Toss Away the ‘Could Haves’ and ‘Should Haves’ Day has to be one of the longest holiday names out there. The length of the name, however, masks a very simple message: don’t dwell on the things you cannot control.
Your ‘could haves’ and ‘should haves’ could take any form. It could be thinking about missed opportunities or broken relationships and wishful thinking about things you wish you had. This observance aims to encourage everyone to focus on the things that matter. You must prioritize the present and be optimistic about the future. Spend less time asking yourself questions like “why did I do that?”. Altering the past is firmly out of our control, so we must focus on the here and now. Wasting time on regrets will accomplish nothing. The idea is to live life to the fullest to have no regrets when it ends.
Today is the day to collect all of the past ‘could haves’ and ‘should haves’ and dump them in the garbage. After that, put the past behind you and embrace life to the fullest. Whenever this holiday comes calling on the third Saturday in July, that’s all it is telling you to do. Martha J. Ross-Rodgers invented this holiday several years ago. She is a motivational speaker and author who focuses on assisting people in living in the now and realizing their full potential.
Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day timeline
Education is the main instigator of regret in the U.S. according to several Gallup surveys.
Psychologists define regret as a "negative emotion predicated on an upward, self-focused, counterfactual inference."
A study reveals that educational choices are the major regret of many adults.
People are far more likely to experience "ideal-based regrets," such as failing to follow their aspirations or living up to their full potential, according to a 2018 study.
Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day FAQs
When is Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day?
Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day 2026 falls on Saturday, July 18. It’s the perfect weekend opportunity to reflect and reset your mindset.
How many Americans experience mental health challenges related to regret?
While specific statistics on regret-related mental health are hard to pinpoint, studies show that approximately 1 in 5 U.S. adults (57.8 million people) experience mental illness each year. Regret can be a significant contributing factor to conditions like anxiety and depression.
What are the benefits of letting go of past regrets?
Letting go of past regrets can significantly improve mental well-being, leading to reduced stress, increased self-compassion, and greater emotional freedom. It allows individuals to focus energy on present opportunities and future goals rather than dwelling on what cannot be changed.
What is the origin of Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day?
Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day was founded by author and motivational speaker Martha J. Ross-Rodgers. Her goal was to create a specific day dedicated to encouraging people to release the mental burdens of past decisions and embrace the present.
How to Observe Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day
Learn to let go
To enjoy the future, you must let go of the past. Let go of the things that have been weighing you down and live in the present
Share your new resolution
Share your new resolution with others. Post on social media with the hashtag #TossAwayTheCouldHavesAndShouldHavesDay to encourage people to participate.
Set clear goals for the future
Set realistic goals for your future. Take control of your life and make sure you never have to look back in regret again.
5 Interesting Facts About Regret
Poor decision-making
Regret can trigger a bias in your decision-making ability, leading to poor choices.
Anxiety triggers
Regret can cause anxiety as you constantly consider perceived better choices or behaviors.
Melancholia
Strong feelings of regret can cause feelings of dysphoria and sadness.
Bowed head
Erratic feelings of guilt and shame are common side effects of regret.
Health dangers
Regret can lead to chronic stress, which harms the hormonal and immune systems.
Why Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day is Important
Living a stress-free life
You will end up living a very complicated and stressful life if you regret every decision you make that leads to failure. Don't be afraid to display your vulnerable side, and don't be terrified of failing so much that it paralyzes you into inaction.
Reinforcing a positive outlook
Regret taints your perspective of the future. While you're sitting around feeling stupid it strengthens the belief that things will always be the same.
Living a fulfilled life
As regret frequently causes people to feel guilt over decisions or how they have spent their lives, it can greatly impede happiness. Avoiding it is the first step towards a fulfilled life.
