Welcome to 31 Days of Poetry & Writing Prompts–Day 8.

Happy Saturday, friends. Is there anything better than a Saturday in October? {With the flood watch out there, it’s turned into a great day to relax indoors!} There’s just something about this time of year. And I haven’t even peeled apples and cooked up the first batch of Homemade Applesauce to mark the season yet. Surely I can make this happen today! (crossing my fingers) 🙂

Today’s poem has been part of my life a long time. When I was 17, a friend gave me an oversized greeting card with this poem written on the front. I’ve been reading it ever since, always with the hope that I’m growing into this type of person as the days roll by. It’s certainly not the way I began. Enjoy…

 

If I Had My Life to Live Over

by Nadine Stair

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 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.

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If I had my childhood to live over, I’d dare to believe in myself.

I’d pick me, and it wouldn’t hold me down when someone else didn’t.

I’d believe the words of God more; they’d fuel my certainty.

I would stay on the swing longer and fear less and laugh with my whole body.

I would be less sensitive, or maybe I’d treat my sensitivity like a gift.

I would take a risk without thinking it all the way through.

Believe it or not, I would read more books.

I would forget myself like clockwork and love without reservation.

I would speak too loudly and there would be nothing to make up for.

If I had your childhood to live over, I’d choose joy more days than I did.

I’d find life in dying to myself, and I’d do it more quickly.

I’d lay on the couch and watch movies with you, instead of picking up 10 more things.

I’d do most of the things I did before, but I’d speak more softly.

I’d think more positively. I wouldn’t get lost in the overwhelm.

We’d play more and eat more slowly and laugh more often.

I’d pick my battles more wisely. They’d be fewer and further between.

I’d take more trips with all of us, believing in the work it takes to get there.

I’d be the kind of person who throws candy and caution to the wind.

I’d take more pictures, and I’d be in them. I’d see more beauty.

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Writing Prompt:

What would you dare to do differently, if you had your life to live over?

Click here to read the rest of my 31 Days of Poetry posts.