If I had my life to live over…

If I had my life to live over again, I’d try to
make more mistakes next time.
I would relax, I would limber up, I would be
sillier than I have been this trip.
I know of very few things I would take
seriously. I would take more trips. I would
be crazier.

I would climb more mountains, swim more
rivers, and watch more sunsets.
I would do more walking and looking.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would have more actual troubles, and
fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I’m one of those people who lives
life prophylactically and sensibly hour
after hour, day after day. Oh, I’ve 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 another, instead
of living so many years ahead each
day. I’ve been one of those people
who never go anywhere without a
thermometer, a hot water bottle,
a gargle, a raincoat, aspirin, and a
parachute.

If I had to do it over again, I would go
places, do things, and travel lighter
than I have.
If I had my life to live over, I would start
barefooted earlier in the spring and
stay that way later in the fall.

I would play hooky more.
I wouldn’t make such good grades, except
by accident. I would ride on more
merry-go-rounds.
I’d pick more daisies.

Swindoll, Charles R. 2023. Life Is 10% What Happens to You and 90% How You React. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.