New York City is full of sights that could stop a person in their tracks. A chalkboard containing several words that caught the attention of different strangers was put up.
The chalkboard was put out in front of Lieutenant Joseph Petrosino Park, and it was part of a project from A Plus and Strayer University. On the board was a single request – “Write your biggest regret.”
Cameras were filming as passersby revealed their biggest regrets.
Although there were a variety of answers – what was discovered is that most had one major thing in common…
The board was left out in New York City for an entire day. During that time, people from all walks of life stopped and picked up a piece of chalk.
In the video, the board quickly fills up with regrets. One stranger wrote, “Never going after my dreams.” Another revealed their biggest regret in life was, “Not making the most of every day.” Someone else admitted, “Not saying I love you.”
A number of the participants were interviewed about their answers.
One man explained that he’d been homeless, and his biggest regret was “burning bridges” with those in his life.
He shared:
“Up until recently, I was homeless. If I hadn’t hurt the people that I had maybe I wouldn’t of been.”
A New Yorker wearing a cute snow hat with ears was regretful for not pursuing her “artistic passions.”
She says:
“I wanted to do so many things, but I could never seem to find the time.”
Even though opening up about something personal isn’t always easy – many strangers stopped to share their regrets.
There are answers on the board like, “Not staying in touch,” “Never speaking up,” and “Not getting involved.” A man regretted that he never left his comfort zone.
After the chalkboard filled up, filmmakers noticed an “alarming” commonality between the responses.
Most of the people’s answers had to do with something they regretted not doing.
“They were about chances not taken. They were about words not spoken. They were about dreams never pursued.”
The video takes an interesting turn when the strangers are given erasers.
Standing side by side, the New Yorkers erase their regrets from the chalkboard. In no time, they are left with a clean, empty board. It all goes along with the meaning behind the project.
One of the women shares:
“A clean board feels like where I want to be. Feels like where I want to go. It’s hopeful.”
She then writes the words “Clean Slate” on the empty chalkboard.
A powerful message is presented at the end.
“Every day is a clean slate. Do the things you’ll regret not doing.”
The video has been watched over 5.7 million times since it was posted on YouTube.
A lot of viewers shared their own regrets, while others left positive comments like, “Wow. This was quite emotional and moving!” Another person said, “This just made my day.”
Someone else was left in tears.
“I’m teary-eyed because of this. My heart is heavy right now for the things I never did in the past.”
It’s a project that might leave you feeling inspired too! Be sure to watch the whole thing for yourself below.
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