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.

By Nadine Stair (age 85)
from Condensed Chicken Soup for the Soul 
Copyright 1996 by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen & Patty Hansen