If I Had My Life to Live Over

If I had my life to live over,
I'd dare to make more mistakes next time.
I'd relax. 
I would limber up.
I would be sillier than I have been this trip.
I would take fewer things seriously.
I would take more chances.
I would take more trips.
I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would, perhaps, have more actual troubles but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.
You see, I'm one of those people who live sensibly and sanely, 
hour after hour, 
day after day.

Oh, I've had my moments and if I had it to do over again, I'd have more of them. 
In fact, I'd try to have nothing else - just moments.
One after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day.
I've been one of those people who never go anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat and a parachute.

If I had my life to live over, 
I would start barefoot earlier in the spring 
and stay that way later in the fall.
If I had it to do again, 
I would travel lighter next time.
I would go to more dances.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I would pick more daisies.

Poem by Nadine Stair (age 85) 
from Condensed Chicken Soup for the Soul

 

photo credit: http://evgenidinev.photoshelter.com/image/I0000tiORYBMOQtc