What would you do differently if you could do it all again?

Life is something that moves quickly, you get into a routine and it just goes.  Time starts to go by more quickly with every passing year.  This is just the way things are, and it is a rare thing that we stop and reflect on life, about what we truly want to do until it is to late.  This weekend I heard the song Live like you were dying by Tim McGraw on the radio and it got me thinking about reflecting on life, especially before it is to late.  I do not want to go through life stuck in the rut of a routine, not taking time to "smell the roses".  All to often in life taking time out of our busy days seems like such an imposition.  We do not take time to stay connected, we dash from place to place without really enjoying what we are doing, we are always dwelling on the past or worrying about the future (we rarely take time to be fully in the present moment).  

This past week I have been reflecting on different aspects of my life, and critically reflecting if my life as it is right now is what I would want it to be if I were to die tomorrow.  It is silly to put things off until tomorrow because we never know how many tomorrows we have, or how many tomorrows those we love have.  I have decided that some things need to change in my life.  School will still be a priority in my life, however its position of importance will no longer make me miss out on other things life has to offer.  I want to experience all of the different things that life has to offer.  I do not want to realize in 20 years that all I did in university was keep my head in my books.  In 20 years I will most likely not remember the paper that is due in two weeks that I have yet to begin, I am much more likely to remember the relationships that I have with people.  I have realized that the world will not fall apart if I do not check my email every 30 minutes.  I do not always need to have my cell phone on me.  People in the past survived without cell phones and instant communication, why do we feel so disconnected and isolated now if we do not have these things? We have heard from health providers that one glass of wine a day is good for your health.  Is it really the wine that is good for you? or is it the fact that you have taken that time out of your day to sit down and have a glass of wine, maybe while chatting with a friend.  I do not think that it is the wine that helps, it is the slowing down and taking the time to connect and form good interpersonal relationships.  

I have realized that there is no knowing what will happen in the future, this year alone 4 people who I live with at school have lost a parent, and multiple others have been diagnosed with cancer or other very serious diseases.  You never know how many days you have left with people, or how many days you yourself have left.  I have decided to make everyday count.  I do not want to go to bed leaving things undone, leaving things unsaid.  I do not want to have any regrets later.  This is not to say that I will not make mistakes in life and possibly regret something that I did, but I do not want to leave something unsaid or undone and always be left wondering "what if".  Sometimes it is the small things that can make all of the difference in a persons day.  One smile can truly change someone's life.  

So stop putting things off, waiting until you have life under control, because by the time you feel things are under control it may be to late.  Start living your life today.  Dream like you will live forever and live like you will die tomorrow.  Put yourself out there.  Get dirty, experience everything.  But most important build and foster relationships with those around you.  Become involved with the community, and cherish every moment! 

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - By Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying of cancer)

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over for dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded. 

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. 

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.  

I would have never bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later.  Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would be more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.' 

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it... live it and never give it back.  STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.  Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.