If I had my time over

I first read this many years ago now, and it is one of those passages that stays with you. I take it back out every now and then and read it, and remind myself to get on with living life.

If you have seen it before, then I hope it is a wonderful reminder. If it is new, then enjoy.

 

If I had my time over I’d like to make 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 climb more mountains and swim more rivers.

I would eat more ice-cream and less beans.

I would perhaps have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones.

You see I am one of those people who live sensibly and sanely hour after hour and day after day. Oh, I’ve had my moments and if I had to do it over again, I’d have more of them. In fact I’d have nothing else. Just moments. One after another, instead of being so many years ahead of each day.

I’ve been one of those people who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat and a parachute. If I had to do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring, and stay later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies.

                                           Nadine Stair Aged 85 Louisville, Kentucky.