If I Could Live My Life Again

If I could live my life again, I’d laugh at my 

misfortunes more and other people’s predicaments 

less. Spend more time counting my blessings, less time 

scrutinizing my blemishes.

I’d spend more time playing with my children and 

grandchildren, less time watching professional 

athletes perform. More time enjoying what I have, 

less time thinking about the things I don’t have.

If I could live my life again, I’d walk in the rain more 

without an umbrella and listen less to weather 

reports. I’d spend much more time outdoors in small 

towns and much less time in tall buildings and big 

cities. I’d eat more of everything healthy and 

delicious, less of everything each meal, saving enough 

on the bill to feed a starving child.

If I could live my life again

, I’d get more beach sand between my toes and less 

friction between myself and others. I’d take more long 

baths and fewer showers (I can’t explain why I’ve 

always been in such a hurry to spend my time). I’d 

spend more time with old people and animals, less 

time with strangers at clubs and parties.

I’d act the age of my children and grandchildren 

more and act my own age less. I’d visit libraries, 

bookstores, and computer networks more and malls 

and movie theatres less. I’d play the piano more and 

play fewer mindless games like solitaire. I’d give my 

spouse and children more tender touches and much 

less advice.

If I could live my life again

, I’d spend more time fully involved in the present 

moment, less time remembering and anticipating. I’d 

be more aware of my core values and life mission, 

and less concerned with the reasons why I might not 

measure up.

I’d smile more, frown less. I’d express my feelings 

more, try less to impress my friends and neighbours. 

I’d forgive and ask forgiveness more, and curse my 

adversaries less - but most of all I’d be more 

spontaneous and active, less hesitant and subdued.

When a great idea or spur-of-the-moment adventure 

popped up - an Easter egg hunt, an open house at 

school, a game of hide-and-seek, an oppurtunity to 

solve a problem at work or to satisfy a disgruntled 

customer, a hay ride, a chance to build a snowman or 

paint over graffiti, an invitation to watch a lunar 

eclipse or a shuttle launch. I’d be less likely to stay in 

my chair objecting, “It’s not in our plan” and more 

inclined to jump up and say, “Yes, let’s”.