If I Had My Life to Live Over

I’ve always loved to read and in writing this blog, I’ve mentioned more than once that I’ve lost count of all the books I’ve read since my son Bobby’s death a year ago this week on Sept. 19th, 2009.. I enjoy sharing favorite excerpts with you and this is certainly a favorite. We all know that this journey – the life journey – is one that will end for each of us when it is time.  As excited as we will be to see those we’ve loved who have gone before us, I trust that each of us might also be hesitant to leave what is here and those we also love who will remain and will then miss us.

So maybe while we’re here – now - today - in the present – we should enjoy all that is around us and take note from Nadine Star and her thoughts on what she might do differently “If She had Her Life to Live Over”… Enjoy.. Cherie Houston

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER..

~ by Nadine Stair (age 85) from Condensed Chicken Soup for the Soul

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.

How To Regain Joy After Loss ~ Tips 10 thru 12

Here are the next three tips to help you regain joy in your life - Tips 10-12; Written by Dr. Lissa Rankin, from the website: http://www.owningpink.com

10. After a reasonable amount of time has passed (during which you get to cry whenever you damn well want to), set aside time to grieve ~ but don’t allow yourself to wallow. Maybe every Wednesday is wailing Wednesdays, when you get to sob uncontrollably all day long. But when Thursday rolls around, brush yourself off and give yourself permission to experience Joy. Go bowling. Watch a funny movie. Meet your friends for a lunch date. Pick wildflowers in a field. Don’t let your loss define your entire existence – of course you will have moments often for years to come, but do your best to brush yourself off and find Joy in your day.


11. Get outside and exercise. If you can’t get motivated, ask someone else to make you accountable.

12. Do something silly. Play on the swings like you’re five again. Stand on your hands and have someone take a picture of you. Paint your toenails green. Get your face painted. Shoot silly string at your best friend when she isn’t expecting it. Dance when nobody else is dancing. It’s okay. People know you’re grieving, so your friends will give you a long leash.