By Erma Bombeck

If I Had My Life to Live Over
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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 to 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 the time to listen
to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

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 children
and not worried about grass stains.

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

I would never have 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 have been 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.

Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with...
and what we are doing each day to promote ourselves
mentally, physically, emotionally, as well as spiritually.

Life is too short to let it pass you by.

We only have one shot at this and then it's gone.

I hope you all have a blessed day.

by Erma Bombeck