I’m 85, which is the age when one's inner self demands taking an inventory in preparation for leaving this earth plane. Everything you mentioned, Shawn, is what every thinking, feeling, sensitive human being goes through. You’re SO WISE to realize that every day is a new day to be who you want to be. In all of my "mistakes" I was acting out what I thought was appropriate at the time, with a limited understanding of the situation I was in. If there is any "sin" in this it was the fact that I acted on not having all the facts. (Actually, I don’t believe in the religious take on sin, but look at it as "missing the mark".) We are all courageous souls to have endured "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune", as Shakespeare so aptly put it. The key to finding solace in our regrets is FORGIVENESS of self and others.

Morning my favorite time. I notice my regrets mostly at night, leave them in the dark, go forth in the light of day. Cheers.

"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That is why it is called the present. " - Eleanor Roosevelt, former First Lady, USA

I don’t usually do public comments. Just wanted to let you know that my Family and I have been watching for awhile and we appreciate what you’ve created and your thoughts on life and everything you’ve gone through. Thank You

I admire your self awareness. Humility is good for all of us.

What a great message to start a Sunday morning with. Every day we wake up is a chance to be better than we were yesterday.

This channel is about so much more than building a cabin in the woods.

"Try not to become a person of success But rather become a person of value.". A. Einstein

Just got out of bed after meditation on becoming a better person and clicked on you first thing as I started my day. A BIG thank you Shawn, your words made my heart, soul and spirit leap for joy! What an important reminder and coming from a man that in my opinion, is making the most out of his life. Love, joy and peace to you and yours!!

The inspiration you’ve given thousands, counts for more than you realize. You’ve helped unlock a way to a simpler, although harder working way of life.... and hard work also counts for something. In the end... everyone takes away something different from what you’ve shared, and none of it is negative.

That’s how I feel on our ranch! It’s surrounded in beautiful state land that give’s us places to explore. Places to find yourself and get back to my father God. It’s so good to wake in the mornings and see the sun rise. Moving and leaving the craziness was the best thing I’ve ever done. It’s been going on four years of thankfulness. Blessings on your journey. It looks beautiful.

I've gotten to where when I get a notification my husband and I automatically turn youtube on the television and watch on big screen instead of phone. Thanks again for another great video.

We are all stuck somewhere between who we are, and who we desire to be.

The man we've come to know and love over these years and videos is someone I think many of us would like to call "friend". Nobody is perfect. You are closer to it than most. :) Thank you.

Thanks pop for that talk , I feel better now , can’t go back to change anything , let it go , and never blame yourself , what you just can’t fix, lean , and move on , and give yourself , a bright new future everyone. WHEN FOREVER COMES

I just LOVE your honesty and candidness......THIS is growth isnt it? How fortunate we are to be able to learn from these lessons!! You really ARE such a Leader. Thank you for sharing your beautiful outlook with all of us!! Love to you and your wonderful Family.

I’m 10 years older than you, but you’re 10 years ahead of me in coming to these realizations. Your words ring true. Thanks for your videos, they are inspiring.

An old indigenous guys told me "If you see the sunrise you own the day."

Wise words from a wiser man... each time you bring us these special moments it’s proof that with each morning you keep what’s important and shed what is not and grow wiser and have greater peace. Thanks.

Morning brings forth the higher states of consciousness in man in deed. I'am up by 5:00 AM and get a lot of thinking/planning/engineering accomplished in the morning hours. Clarity of mind is something that cannot be purchased but rather it is to be cultivated as a fertile garden. Yes it is so true that we are not today who we were yesterday as we continually evolve into tomorrow. Shawn, your videos to me invoke such a sense of communion of like minds. I (we) greatly appreciate your contribution to the idea of a more nature connected way of living. Thank you, and may you rewrite your own history as best you see fit!

We all have regrets in life, it’s never to late to try and make amends with yourself and others. Well said great message.

tomorrow is wood yesterday is ashes ,but today..." the fire burns"

I discovered in 45 years that I might not be perfect and I discovered humility. I learn to be better every day and I don't see mistakes as disasters anymore. Thank you for your honesty, Shawn.

I just retired this summer and have a lot of those reflections. Thanks for the reminder that every day is a fresh new start. The bird at the end of this was remarkable, you live on the outskirts of heaven. Thank you sharing your world with us

Good morning, Shawn. Thank you for being you.

I wish I could ‘like’ your videos a hundred (or more) times each. You talk such sense and take such beautiful films. I would love to hear a loon for real! Best wishes

Shawn, 1000s of TV preachers can't compete with power of your message. Last minute is astonishing! What can be more beautiful than pure nature

Shawn, I lost my Dad at 85 this year. He would console me when I was commiserating about my mistakes in life that had been so costly in my economy and relationships. I'm not entirely sure the impact of him being gone has really sunk in yet but I am glad for his wisdom guiding me along the path. Concerning things past he said " there are no do overs", meaning, don't fret and lose time and energy worrying about the past. Then he would also remind me that life happens and we are not prepared with the right response every time and should not beat ourselves up over bad decisions. Today is a new day and yesterday is in the past. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

I see snow and hear good things...! All is good...thanks Shawn. 'Twas an old day yesterday, but by God it's a new day today...

Something to pass on to your daughter. Your a good man. Granny Fan for a long long time. A young man went to seek an important position at a large printing company. He passed the initial interview and was going to meet the director for the final interview. The director saw his resume, it was excellent. And asked,' "Have you received a scholarship for school?" The boy replied, "No". 'It was your father who paid for your studies? '' Yes.' He replied. 'Where does your father work? ' 'My father is a Blacksmith' The Director asked the young man to show him his hands. The young man showed a pair of hands soft and perfect. 'Have you ever helped your parents at their job? ' 'Never, my parents always wanted me to study and read more books. Besides, he can do the job better than me. The director said: 'I have got a request: When you go home today, go and wash the hands of your father and then come see me tomorrow morning.' The young man felt his chance to get the job was high. When he returned to his house he asked his father if he would allow him to wash his hands. His father felt strange, happy, but with mixed feelings and showed his hands to his son. The young man washed his hands, little by little. It was the first time that he noticed his father's hands were wrinkled and they had so many scars. Some bruises were so painful that his skin shuddered when he touched them. This was the first time that the young man recognized what it meant for this pair of hands to work every day to be able to pay for his studies. The bruises on the hands were the price that his father payed for his education, his school activities and his future. After cleaning his father's hands the young man stood in silence and began to tidy and clean up the workshop. That night, father and son talked for a long time. The next morning, the young man went to the office of the director. The Director noticed the tears in the eyes of the young man when He asked him, 'Can you tell me what you did and what you learned yesterday at your house?' The boy replied: 'I washed my father's hands and when I finished I stayed and cleaned his workshop.' 'Now I know what it is to appreciate and recognize that without my parents, I would not be who I am today. By helping my father I now realize how difficult and hard it is to do something on my own. I have come to appreciate the importance and the value in helping my family. The director said, "This is what I look for in my people. I want to hire someone who can appreciate the help of others, a person who knows the hardship others go through to accomplish things, and a person who realizes that money is not his only goal in life". 'You are hired'. A child that has been coddled, protected and given everything he or she wants, develops a mentality of "I have the right" and will always put himself or herself first, ignoring the efforts of parents, family and friends. If we are this type of protective parent are we really showing love or are we helping to destroy our children? You can give your child their own room in a big house, good food, a computer, tablet, cell phone, and a big screen TV, but when you're washing the floor or painting a wall, children need to experience that too. After eating, have them wash the dishes with their brothers and sisters, let them fold laundry or cook with you, pull weeds or mow the lawn. You are not doing this because you are poor and can't afford help. You are doing this because you love them and want them to understand certain things about life. Children need to learn to appreciate the amount of effort it takes to do a job right. They need to experience the difficulties in life that people must overcome to be successful and they must learn about failure to be able to succeed. Children must also learn how to work and play with others and that they will not always win, but they can always work harder to reach their goals. If they've done their best, then they can take pride in all the effort they put forth. Life is about giving and serving and these qualities are taught in our homes.

We can't change the past!! But we can learn of it... and move in the right direction. Life is really short, and we are here to learn and enjoy with people and nature. I'm sure this is the best way to live our lives... Be safe in your beautiful cabin Shawn!

Thank you for this very reflective video. I'm 67 and my four rules of life are: 1. Take joy in little things 2. Find humor in everything 3. Don't worry about things you can't control 4. Live in 'the now' and the future will be good and you won't regret the past. Sounds to me like you are walking a positive path.

I agree with what you’re saying though sometimes it’s hard to put the ghosts of the past to rest, especially if we are still deal with the consequences. That being said, this is an important reminder. Thank you for sharing.

I've gradually grown to feel I can't trust people who claim they have no regrets. It means they are unwilling or unable to examine themselves. Good on you

Hey Shawn, when I first caught one of your vids, I could read it on your face...the searching/releasing of all things negative to all things positive. Seems you've found it. Thanks be to God! You could soOOooo easily slip here, fall there and yet...preserved/protected to enjoy/share your wonder-filled moments of REAL life! Mankind is headed for ruin, and a time soon will have us alllll 'going back' to the land. It is a spiritual connection where man TRULY prospers. I watch this, as does my older brother with 'AWE'! You are a very talented man enjoying a REAL life and THAT is RARE! A GIFT for you, and for those of us who watch. Thank-you kindly. God's blessings on you and yours.

Early mornings have always been the best time of day for me. As a kid, I used to go out and watch the Blue Wrens in the bushes next to the house. I'm 62 now and the Wrens are all gone just rows of houses now in there place. I too have regrets that I didn't take advantage of what was on offer then but wasted money on cars and motorbikes out drinking with my friends till all hours. I still have my Harley and it is one of the joys I have now to get away into the country with a few close friends and find these little communities of honest country folk that have the time to stop and chat with you and tell their tales of life I so love it. I'm lucky I have a beautiful wife and teenage daughter who is doing so well at school and a job I love working with seniors who have dementia I find it rewarding to just see them smile and be happy. But it is a reminder that in life nothing is forever and you have to take advantage of life and live it to the fullest now because it could be gone in a whisper. That's why I love to watch you live your dream Shawn and it inspires me to live mine here in Australia! Cheers, Musashi

So many wise words and thougts in about 5 minutes.

You and I have exchanged a few comments when you first started. I commented on how imoressed I was with your "unskilled" as you called it craftsmanship. I am now impressed with the fact you found your place in life. I am writing this at 3:45 a.m. while assessing my life and whether to move forward or cease. I just can't get any ground. Saved from stage 4 to ironically go no where but iblivian in every aspect of life. I guess the cancer was just telling me it was sent to cull what would never succeed. If you ever think you haven't been blessed .My envy would be for nothing. Glad it all came together. My efforts have been fruitless in every field. I'm tired. Hope things continue for you. Peace

You are rare, indeed! Few people have the strength to recognize their flaws and work towards a better self. Be proud in that you are a better person today than you were yesterday. ♡

I agree with you ,life is beautiful! You can make it so. I live in the city but I wake up every morning 5:30 and love to hear the birds sing, and the summer I love the cicadas and the sounds of waves!!

Wise words as usual Shawn. I appreciate your points of view as much as watching your craftsmanship in action. Thank you

The quality of your filming is so good, it seems to me to have really improved recently and adds a whole new beauty to the background to your thoughts and life. Thank you for the enjoyable and inspirational content.

Nothing better then talking from the heart. Thank you for this video. Blessings.

Whenever I'm feeling down on myself, overwhelmed or lazy I click on one of your videos and the message at the time always feels relevant to my current circumstance. Watching your videos always makes me get off my butt (after watching the video) and try to be productive and grateful. Thanks for the sage advice Shawn!

Your words were good to hear this morning. Thank you.

Yesterday was an incredibly rough day. Needed to hear this today.

Thanks for the encouraging words. You have hit it on the nail head. I too am not the same person that I was 10yrs ago, 20yrs ago, 30 to 40yrs ago, etc. I am 61yrs old and I have been through alot a struggle but hearing your comments have enlighten me. Enjoy your videos, keep up the good work.

Well said Shawn! I almost died last year from a fungle infection on my brain. Since my time in the hospital I have become so aware of how precious life is!! I have a total new outlook on life I work out every day and try to eat better lots of fruits and vegetables, low fat red meats and fish for protein. This year I turned 47 and for the first time in a long time I was so happy to be getting older! I now wake every day and feel I have a new shot at life, to do it better the second half then all the waste I did on the first. My favorite thing to do is just sit with a coffee and watch the sun rise. Many thanks to you and your family Shawn

Good morning. I needed to hear this. I've been dealing with these same thoughts. You have such a great outlook. Thank you.

I see the white stuff found you , likewise here too, just finished shoveling . No regrets , Mr. James feed your soul with the days ahead you've done very well and perfection is just a word. Take care , Be very well .

This morning my wife and I were saying what a great neighbor you are and it's just this sort of interaction that makes you so great it's good to know somebody who's on the same path.

Good morning, dear Shawn and Cali. Your introspection, philosophy, work habits, and positive outlook continue to always be an inspiration for me and I'm sure others.

Thank you for your words, they really came at a time when I needed it. Too often I get stuck in what I've done and feel like I don't "deserve" to progress. What I should do is learn from it and see the potential in my future. Thanks Shawn! You're a great source of inspiration.

Thanks Shawn, your opening meant alot to me today. Motivated me to keep my head down in my projects and not beat myself up for similar things you talked about. Look forward to your videos on both channels

I'm 70 and some times it takes a while for us to figure things out. I regret not finding them out earlier in life but it is what it is. Some of the things you said were spot on. Going fourth to a new daysounds like a plan to me. Thank you so much.

Thank you soooo much Shawn - sooo many of us are going through this deep cleansing right now - getting rid of clutter in all aspects of our lives...pruning everything that no longer bears good fruit...I am going through my 'things' - I just want to get rid of everything - minimize - tearing pages out of my art journals - they've already gone into the fire - taking books off my shelves..selling or giving things away that no longer bring me joy or just don't feel good in my life anymore...I thought I had dissolved all the layers already this past decade only to discover a whole set of new layers that feel sooooo good to finally being addressing...I LOVED what you said about not being perfect - and that you are not the same person nor will be tomorrow or next week or next year - yes - we are ever evolving and changing...I will be sharing your video as you have voiced well what I have been saying for a long while...We need to clear the clutter so truly we can see clearly in 2020! thank you Shawn...God Bless. :)

Whew, what a relief! I thought he will say he is about to build the cabin over again....

I know, I feel like this is exactly what I needed to hear. Although I consider myself a good person, I've made alot of mistakes in the past. Sometimes it's hard to get past that and move on.

Looking at Cali's tail wagging so vigorously reminds me to be grateful for each moment and fill it with joy

I am so glad I happened upon your channel long ago. I have spent many years bouncing places with no roots. I am on 14 states now in the U.S. and I never truly found happiness I was looking for. I remember all the beautiful places and times I loved about them and it was a fresh start every move. But I know exactly what you are saying by regrets. I burned through a lot of work and threw a lot of things away with no plan. My father recently passed at 74. He lived like I have and he finally found the place in the world that truly made him happy and it was short lived. I now have a goal and no matter what I know I will take regrets with me but I realize it's all about the healing and changing the course of your future by not allowing the past to cycle you. THank you for this! 👍

Shawn, love seeing the scenery on your land. The best is when you play your music with the scenery. Love that.

Maya Angelou said, “I did what I did until I learned better then I did better”.

I live in Michigan and love the upper half of the mitten, which we consider "up north". I dont get to get up there but a couple times a years, but your videos takes be right back to the past of my parents home in Au Gres, on Lake Huron and our Uncle Harry's cabin farther north. Thank you so much for helping me to relive those memories by watching you at your cabin! It's so relaxing too and watching helps my chronic pain by easing my stress.

We all have regrets if we live long enough. It's the hallmark of a life. Sometimes mine keep me awake at night, but it is useless to wish we'd acted differently in some situations. We must forgive ourselves and move on. Our life is a journey. We do the best we can and fervently hope to do better.

Spot on Shawn, by the way when you capture the loon sounds it just makes my day. have a great week.

Exactly what I needed to hear in this very moment.

You are such a rare kind of person in todays society. People this day & age are so into instant gratification, this would be too hard to do for many. I so admire & respect you as a person who is patient, hardworking & driven(strong too) to do what it takes to achieve his goal of "Self Reliance". Your wife is so blessed to have found you & to have you as her husband(I'm sure the woman you chose is just as wonderful & hardworking as you). I do hope you pass this kind of work ethic, passion & patience to your children. God Bless you & your family! Your Videos are always so Beautiful & inspiring :)

You have a great opportunity to wake up each day to Gods good creation. Praise Him!

As the old saying goes, "Youth is wasted on the young." I think this applies to most people who look back on the things they did early on in life.

This one Really hit me hard in a good way.. Thank you Shawn..

Greetings from Texas! Regrets are one of life’s greatest teachers. What we get from it depends on what kind of a student we are. A new start each new morning is one of our biggest blessings. Press on, Man!

I can relate on so many levels. I often think of the past and I have the belief that to move forward you have to think back. I love getting up early because you never know what you will see or hear or whatever. I've seen bear moose and deer that way..... I wouldn't change it for nothing. Thanks for sharing.

Right on, life is learning, and a forward movement for sure✌️, loving this warm up 33

Thank you, heart felt talk, i took it all in. Thanz

Mornings are my time...its quiet, and I can hear myself think...and plan my day because anything happens over nite to change plans!

Coming closer to nature often tends to bring you closer to your true and better self, as well - especially early in the mornings, like you said. Having Cali around is a serious point of light also. Best of luck, always.

Good morning, Shawn. I'll be 50 on April 10, 2020, and I can really relate to everything you said. Great message!

I love to get up before daylight and see how much I can accomplish before light. I feel like I’m sneaking up on the day😂😂😂

50, you're still a young man. I'm 67 and still feel like I can do anything. Can't change the past. Put it behind you. When I was 12 I had a morning paper route. I'd get up about 4 AM, walk about eight miles to deliver papers, rain, or snow and end up at school. I can remember days when I walked for three and a half hours and arrived at school only to find it was cancelled because of low temperatures. I learned to love getting up early. Hearing the birds chirp, seeing the first light, being the first to put footprints in the snow, seeing all the snow before it fell off the branches, all made me joyous. Years later I would still arrive at work and get a full days work done before the nine to fivers arrived. And I never had a problem hitting the sack at night. Went down like a lead balloon. For me, I'm big on momentum, If I get up early, I get fewer interruptions. Once I stop - it's hard getting started again.

its wonderful that you are self-introspective....so many people cannot even get close to looking at themselves and appreciate their every day...well said James!

Ahh an April baby like me lol... and I’m going to correct you.. you are pretty close to perfect in my book..love your wise words.

God BLESS YOU ALWAYS 💖

My wife and I watched this ep together . As I was watching , I teared up and became quite emotional. Shawn this hit home with me and thoughts from my past regrets . Thanks again for sharing your wisdom. I put your name out there quite a bit. I shared this with my family and friends . You are an inspiration to me . Keep up the great work .

I happened to watch this at a very pivitol, and very necessary point of my 44 year old life. Your words brought me to tears and gave me the strength and hope to change. Thank you....it was just what I needed, EXACTLY when I needed it!!

My regrets haunt me. Thank you for this short video. I'll be pondering what you've said for the next while.

hoomans make mistakes...it’s part of being hooman♥️

FIDO - Forget It Drive On. Don't let the past haunt you, embrace today's opportunities. Thanks for all you do, Shawn.

Listening to those loons never gets old. I really appreciate your insight. What you are talking about has relevance to so many of us. Thank you for that.

Every minute, every second, every "now" is the start of the rest of your life. Not just mornings. :-)

When I listen to the message of trying to get along Everyone has got the right to find out that they're wrong About the people and our planet and it's history The things that really matter about humanity have you ever heard that the truth shall set you free That ain't no joke but if your broke it cost to much to see That maybe your not right in fact you might be wrong Your ego bruised your belief's you choose to hold on for to long And now your mind is troubled you don't know what to Think Your search for truth has cost your youth your hopes begin to sink Then some inspiration when someone comes along The words they write inspire might to force us to go on And really take a look and see what we can't see Everything around us Everything is frequency The light you see the sounds you here just to give a few Our Schumann resonance is another clue A vibratory system to keep you in the dark No light shines upon the truth but then a little spark And then your eye's are opened you begin to see the truth That school was created to control the youth Opinions of the government is the control of sheep you see Their Labels keep us separated to control us easily For if we're all together they have no hope at all And surely as the sun shall rise they shall surely fall So if your tired of this matrix and you want to end it all Raise your vibration your expectation and never ever crawl

Hey Shawn, I've just finished renovating/winterizing our family cottage north of TO, near Parry Sound. I'm 51, and this is a brand new start for me, and something I've been wanting to do for 30 years coming up here for summer vacations. Yup, you're right, I've got lots of regrets, but I try not to think about them. Although to be honest, winter as you well know, has hit us early again. I'm so busy chopping wood, and still getting ready for our beautiful northern Ontario Canadian winters, theres just no bloody time to wallow in self pity, or think too much about past mistakes. I've been following you on your other channel for well over a year now, and just subscribed to this channel. Always enjoy watching your videos. Thanks for sharing this great lifestyle with us! Tiina 😊❤🏡🇨🇦

Solitude has a way of marking people reflect, reflection is a good thing. It allows us to see what we do good but more importantly it shows us where we need to improve. Thank you Shawn for sharing. Stay warm thins winter looks like it could be another cold on.

Dog: "Hurry up already, I want to start digging!".

JÁ VOU DANDO LIKE POIS AMOOO DEMAIS ESSE CACHORRO. PELO O AMOR DE DEUS UM TRADUTOR NESSE CANAL GENTE

Super awesome! I've been following both channels for about a little over a year now (since you started building the bath house) and have a huge amount of respect for what you're doing. What you're saying in this video echoes something that my martial arts mentor / Master told me 6 years ago when I was expressing regret over having delayed starting for 4 years and he pointed out that the only thing that mattered was that I was doing it, not what what I had / hadn't done prior to. Thank you for taking the time to share these pieces of your life with all of us.

I needed this video so much. It makes me feel that I’m not alone in beating myself up for all my past mistakes. I’ve been in a rut for the last 5-10 years and I’m only 28. This video puts life into perspective that I’m okay where I am but that I never need to stop changing going forward but that I need to STOP looking backward. I thank you for this video more than you can comprehend, Shawn.

Lay your burdens at the foot of the cross and keep going.

Perfectionist is overrated. Being the best “you” that you can be is a much more honourable achievement.

Healthy approach.... Don't waste time on things your cant change, only focus on what you can change. Family First.

Greetings from PEI. I started that existential thinking when I turned 50. I'm 56 now and when I was younger living in Ottawa, I wasted some much time in bars. Had I lived in PEI and had a wooded lot like I do now, I would have worked on those skills that you have. But as you said, can't change it. So when I moved here in 1997 I bought four acres and had my log home built. Eastern white Cedar, total living space about 1000 square feet. But what I have done in those twenty two years was hone my garden skills to the point I pretty well can grow anything in this 5b climate zone. Twenty two raised beds and two greenhouses. I harvested 33 lbs of Poblano Peppers and Tomatillos and about thirty pounds of Parsnips. And considering Sobeys sells three for 4.99, not a bad deal. This video was timely given every autumn, I go through with "Did I get everything done I wanted to this summer". The angst of youth and the need to be driven to achieve what is 'success', in the traditional sense isn't there at 56. At my age now I am just happy to either pick a tomato, split some kindling, or watch hundreds of geese take flight off the bay here when I get to close, looks like the opening scene to "Top Gun". Time to catch up on your vids, Joes and "Simon, a bloke in the woods"