Last week I had an interesting coffee conversation with a friend about "what kind of a lives" we were living. Especially in these times of economic uncertainty it's quite common for each of us to re-examine our lives and think carefully about our priorities, so this conversation was both timely and apropos. We both shared highlights about our current life events including our careers, relationships, special projects or interests, and also our hopes and dreams for the future—a good time to pause and ponder, something I truly enjoy doing as much as possible!
When I returned home I saw something that perfectly complimented our conversation. It was a small article from a newspaper written by an 85-year old woman about how she was reflecting back on her life and the things she'd wish she'd done if she could live her life over—a simple letter to prompt the reader about the importance of opportunity and appreciation. Somehow I'd kept this clipping for many years and this piece of paper managed to make the journey along with me. I usually ended up hanging it somewhere within plain view to remind me what's important when I'd forgotten—the things that make me happy and bring joy.
This week I'd like to share that small, yet powerful, letter with you. May you also be reminded to take the opportunity and say, do, and experience what truly makes you happy. After all, it's your choice!
Peace and better balance,
The Ambassador of Goodwill
When I returned home I saw something that perfectly complimented our conversation. It was a small article from a newspaper written by an 85-year old woman about how she was reflecting back on her life and the things she'd wish she'd done if she could live her life over—a simple letter to prompt the reader about the importance of opportunity and appreciation. Somehow I'd kept this clipping for many years and this piece of paper managed to make the journey along with me. I usually ended up hanging it somewhere within plain view to remind me what's important when I'd forgotten—the things that make me happy and bring joy.
This week I'd like to share that small, yet powerful, letter with you. May you also be reminded to take the opportunity and say, do, and experience what truly makes you happy. After all, it's your choice!
Peace and better balance,
The Ambassador of Goodwill
If I Had My Life to Live Over
I'd like to make more mistakes next time.
I'd relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier
than I had 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 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 persons who never goes
anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water
bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute. If I had to
do it 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
85-years old
Louisville, Kentucky
Relax
I'd like to make more mistakes next time.
I'd relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier
than I had 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 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 persons who never goes
anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water
bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute. If I had to
do it 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
85-years old
Louisville, Kentucky
Relax
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