What would you do differently if you had a chance to live your life over?
The late Nadine Stair of Louisville, Kentucky was asked that question. She wrote this answer when she was 85 years old . . .
If I had my life to live over, I’d 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 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 people who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute.
If I had it to do over 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.
* * * * * * *
Nadine Stair is no longer with us. You are. Whatever you would do differently – you still can. You can start right now! You don’t need a chance to live your life over – you have the chance!
According to writer Tom Robbins, “It’s never too late to have a happy childhood.”
Rob Gilbert
