If I Had My Life to Live Over by Nadine Stair

When we went out for ice cream at Brickley's tonight, I saw a copy of this poem on the wall and it made me smile. I guess I liked it because I've been making a really concerted effort at not having any regrets and to really enjoy all of the wonderful things that are going on right now. It's really easy to get caught up in all of the things that we should be doing, but I love the way that Bob and I are able to just sit back and enjoy. I think that we are raising two very neat little people who, I hope, are enjoying the series of moments that make up our lives.

If I Had My Life To Live Over

I'd dare to 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 it to do 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 go anywhere
without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat
and a parachute.

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot
earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.

If I had it to do again, I would travel lighter next time.
I would go to more dances.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I would pick more daisies.

By Nadine Stair (age 85)