If I Had My Life to Live Over

If I Had My Life to Live Over

a letter written by Nadine Stair at age 85

If I had my life to live over, I'd dare to make more mistakes next time. I'd relax; I'd 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 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 lived sensibly and sanely hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I 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 the other, 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 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 again, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dance; I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies.

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This isn't really a poem but the first time read it, I was able to relate instantly with Nadine. Although I have yet to reach the prime of my life, I've known long ago that I'd really rather stumble and fall a thousand times than be left in the dark or stare dumbly as I see my own life pass by.

I want to live my life to the fullest or to quote Wynona Ryder in "Little Women," become a great many person. I think life isn't just about getting a degree, or working, or keeping yourself and your house immaculately clean... I think it's more about exploring your horizon, getting to know people, making lasting relationships, trying to make a difference, loving unconditionally and courageously, fighting for a cause, hugging trees, and yes, picking more daisies!