If I had my life to live over...

If I had my life to live over,

I'd try to make more mistakes next time.

I would relax.

I would limber up.

I would be sillier than I have been on this trip.

I know of very few things I would take seriously.

I would be crazier.

I would be less hygienic.

I would take more chances.

I would take more trips.

I would climb more mountains,

    swim more rivers, and watch more sunsets.

I would burn more gasoline.

I would eat more ice cream and less beans.

I would have more actual troubles and fewer

    imaginary ones.

You see, I am one of those people who lives

    carefully and sensibly and sanely,

    hour after hour, day after day.

Oh, I've had my moments and,

    if I had it to do over, I'd have

    more of them.

In fact, I'd try to have nothing else.

Just moments, one after the other,

    instead of living so many years ahead

    each day.

I have been one of those people who never goes

    anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water

    bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, and a parachute.

If I had it to do over again, I would go places

    and 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 hookey more.

I wouldn't make such good grades except by

    accident.

I would ride on more merry-go-rounds.

I'd pick more daisies.

Nadine Stair, 87

Louisville, Kentucky