If I Had My Life To Live Over

I'm feeling a little "deep" tonight and remembered this poem by Erma Bombeck. To me it is a reminder to stop and reevaluate life every so often. To slow down and remember what is truly important to me.

I have actually been trying to treat this poem as somewhat of a motto lately and live by it more. Especially since stressing myself out over total crap could literally kill me. There is so much in life that can't be controlled but at least how I view it can be.

I know this blog has gone totally down hill in the last six months but hopefully you can forgive me. I've been trying to be more present for my kids which doesn't allow alot of time for blogging. I miss it but I think I missed them more so I will try to blog but if I don't just know that it's because I'm loving my heathens.

If I Had My Life To Live Over

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the "good" living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching TV - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love yous"...more "I'm sorrys"...

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it...live it...and never give it back.

Erma Bombeck