Recently I read the obituary of a former client of mine. I was saddened by his untimely death.
Grief & loss should make us stop, reflect and then take action to change for the positive. Please take a moment to reflect on this poem written by Nadine Stair when she was 85 years old.
If I had my life to life over…
If I had my life to live over again,
I’d dare to make more mistakes next time.
I’d relax.
I’d limber up.
I’d be sillier than I’ve been this trip.
I would take fewer things seriously.
I would take more chances,
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would, perhaps, have more actual troubles but fewer imaginary ones.
you see, I’m one of those people who was sensible and sane,
hour after hour,
day after day.
Oh, I’ve had my moments.
If I had to do it 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 persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot-water bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute.
If I could do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.
If I had to live my life over,
I would start barefoot earlier in the spring
and stay that way later in the fall.
I would go to more dances,
I would ride more merry-go-rounds,
I would pick more daisies.
– Nadine Stair
Life can get complicated and put us on a path of constantly pursuing our goals in unrealistic time lines. Be gentle with yourself. Your time here on earth is not a dress rehearsal. Learn to be happy first while pursuing your goals in a mindful way and in a realistic time line.
Photo Courtesy: Paramir
