If you were given the opportunity for a “do-over” – that is, the chance to go back in time and make different decisions, different choices, and thereby change your life – would you accept it?
This is not an uncommon question – I’ve heard it discussed before, in person and in print, and at least one well-known movie was even based on the premise. And most of the people I run across, when confronted with this question, reply with an immediate and emphatic, “No.”
Me? I’m not so sure.
I have a bit of a tendency to wallow in regrets. In my less positive moments, this translates into a frustrated, “I wish I could go back and start all over again and do it right this time.”
So what would I do right, given the second chance?
- I would take better care of myself.
- I wouldn’t worry so much about what people thought of me.
- I would travel more.
- I wouldn’t be afraid to take chances.
- I would manage my money better.
- I would love myself more.
- I would get a degree.
- I would play the piano more.
- I would waste less time.
- I would listen to my heart first, and advice from others second.
- I would write more.
- I would share more.
Of course, the idea of a “do-over” is nothing more than a fantasy, something on which to dwell when I’m feeling sorry for myself or am swamped with mid-life regrets. And dwelling in regrets is a non-productive, vicious circle that I work hard to overcome, because I have learned that the more time I waste on regrets today, the more I’ll be wishing down the road that I could have had that time back.
The past is what it is. But today’s thoughts, today’s actions, today’s choices – those are what will form and mold my future, those I have the power to affect, those are what will determine what I see when I look back from the future.
“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
~ Maria Robinson
That’s how I try to see it.
Written for GBE 2: Blog On –
WEEK #39 (2-12-12 to 2-18-12): Do-Over
Twitter: frommaggiesfarm
February 17, 2012
I wallow, as well, and can pick more than a few things in your list. But then, again, I think to myself that one day, I’ll regret the time I spent dwelling on my regrets. It’s true that some of those things I’d like to do-over might have been what led me to the things I’d not trade for anything. Thought provoking! Thank you, Dawn
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Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 18, 2012
Thank you for your thoughts!
Dawn recently posted… Do-Over
I love the quote; not one I’ve heard before. Thoughtful piece, well written.
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Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 18, 2012
Thank you so much. 🙂
Dawn recently posted… Do-Over
I wish that I hadn’t stopped playing the piano, too. I love your post, thanks for your honest! PS-LOVE your blog layout!
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February 18, 2012
Thank you! I’ve had a lot of fun playing around with the layout.
Dawn recently posted… Do-Over
the things you want to do over.. like ‘not worry what others think’ ‘ love yourself more’ ‘not waste time’ all come with age….. you will find that worrying about others thoughts is less important than what you feel, therefore you will love yourself more, and waste less time..
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 18, 2012
I agree – the older I get, the more these things fall into place.
Thank you for stopping by! 🙂
Dawn recently posted… Do-Over
I think the things you listed are things we would all change if given the chance but luckily they are also things that we can change starting today. Also, like Daphne said, many of them become less important as we get older. Great post.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 18, 2012
Thank you so much!
Dawn recently posted… Do-Over
Dawn, please stop by my blog and pick up the award I left for you. I love your blog.
http://myviewthroughkateyes.blogspot.com/2012/02/thank-you-sweetie.html
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February 18, 2012
Kat, that was so kind of you! Thank you!
Dawn recently posted… Do-Over
I’ve never cared much about what other people think of me, and that’s been a wonderful gift, I think. Like me, love me, hate me, I’m cool with any of those.
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February 19, 2012
That really is a gift! …because no matter what you do, there will always be SOMEONE who isn’t happy about it, or who would have done it differently. Just being yourself is the best way to be, by far.
Thank you for stopping by! 🙂
Dawn recently posted… You like me, you really like me!
Your list really made me think and come up with something I would do over that I hadn’t thought of before. A long time ago I used to work out three times a week. Then I stopped. If I had it to do all over again, I would have continued to work out and never quit. That way, when I had babies, I would have been able to kiss the weight goodbye. I would still be in shape and the prospect of losing weight wouldn’t be so daunting.
Kathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com/
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February 19, 2012
Believe me, I totally get what you’re saying! I have a whole lifetime of regrets about the way I’ve not taken proper care of myself, especially to do with my weight. But I keep plugging away at that, one step at a time, so that hopefully in the future I won’t regret today’s choices.
Thank you for stopping by! 🙂
Dawn recently posted… You like me, you really like me!
Your post made me write another one. Not GBC related. I linked up with Stream of Consciousness Sunday. Great post. I love it when someone’s writing inspires me to write. I would love if you would sign my quotes guestbook with the one you put here “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
~ Maria Robinson http://www.kenyagjohnson.com/quotes
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February 19, 2012
I love that my post inspired you to write something! Thanks for letting me know. I’ve posted on your latest post and also your quotes guestbook.
Dawn recently posted… You like me, you really like me!
Sometimes I think I want a do over, and then I realize I don’t really need one. A former friend of mine quit his job and his pursuit of a doctorate degree at age 59 to become a full time street musician. I’m a lot younger than he is. If he has time to finally pursue his dream, then so do I.
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February 21, 2012
Very inspirational… thank you! It’s never too late.
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