If I Had My Life to Live Over

I ran across this short essay in an anthology of women writers, which took its name from the essay title.  I've read various versions of this before, but this particular manifestation is attributed to Nadine Stair, who penned it at the age of 85.

Her words resonate with me, and I wanted to share them with you, whether you've heard something similar before or not.

If I Had My Life to Live Over

by Nadine Stair

I'd dare to make more mistakes next time.  I'd relax, I would limber up.  I would be sillier than I have been on 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, 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 t 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 botle, 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 that way later in the fall.  I would go to more dances.  I would ride more merry-go-rounds.  I would pick more daisies.

Since I've not reached the grand age of 85 yet, I feel like it's not too late for me to take her advice.  In fact, during our time in Maine, I do tend to live moment to moment.  We have a very loose schedule here, and I revel in our free time.  If you've read any of my Weekly Wrap-Ups, you know that's true.  And while I don't espouse a completely hedonistic lifestyle, I still aim to enjoy the world while I'm still in it.  Enjoying the party is a very real way to live out praise and gratitude to God.

And you?  What have you done to better savor the life you've been given?  Or are you inspired to test the waters?

Here are some photos I took recently with Miss Priss's camera, which uploads with no problems.  (So I'm guessing it's my camera that has the issue.)

I filled the feeder up two days ago (as seen here), and it is now empty!

The view from my deck.  It's quite breezy today -- the lake has whitecaps like the ocean!

A close-up of my snowball bush.  It's covered in huge blooms.