Determining the Author's Tone of Reflection

In her reflective essay, the author considers the nature of regret. She starts by recounting a decision made in her youth—to pursue a career in art rather than medicine. As she reflects on missed opportunities and the direction her life has taken, she acknowledges both the beauty found in pursuing her passion and the burdens of uncertainty that come with it. While she expresses a sense of nostalgia, she also conveys a robust argument about the importance of following one’s heart despite societal expectations.

Further into the essay, she writes: 'The haunting whispers of what could have been echo in my mind, yet I find solace in the colors I splash on canvas—a reminder that every path carved is an expression of self. Perhaps it is not the choices themselves that define us, but rather how we embrace the outcomes.' Throughout, the author's word choice captures a complex interplay of longing and acceptance.