If I had my life to live over, I’d try to make more mistakes next time. I would relax. I would limber up.

If I had my life to live over, I’d try to make more mistakes next time. I would relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I would be crazier. I would be less hygienic. I would take more chances. I would take more trips. I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones.

You see I am one of those people who lives prophylactically and sanely and sensibly, hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I have had my moments and, if I had to do it all over again, I’d have more of them. In fact, I’d try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after the other, instead of living so many years ahead each day. I have been one of those people who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, and a parachute. If I had to do it all again, I would go places and do things and travel lighter than I have.
If I had to live my life over, I would start barefooted earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would play hooky more. I wouldn’t make such good grades except by accident. I would ride on more merry-go-rounds. I’d pick more daisies.
When I read this poem, it talks to me about being engaged with life, and living without regrets. We won’t live for ever and we can make it a good life.
As always, I’ve written this to be helpful, and this Christmas time, as we spend more time with family it can make us value relationships over work. If this provokes any questions or have a comment to make please make a note or ask a question below.

This article first appeared on my main website.