20 20 Hindsight
By Silver Rose
20/20 Hindsight
We hear the stories every day. Some are people we know and cherish; others are strangers on the 6:00 news. They are ill, often struggling with life and death issues.
It happened to me yesterday. A friend told me of his struggle with MS. Suddenly all my “problems” disappeared from consciousness.
Erma Bombeck gave the gift of laughter to the world. Here is what she had to say:
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER
by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.” There would have been more “I love you’s.” More “I’m sorry’s.”
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute…look at it and really see it . live it and never give it back. Stop sweating the small stuff.
Don’t worry about who doesn’t like you, who has more, or who’s doing what. Instead, let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
In other words, Erma would have focused on the good, downplaying the bad.
The Law of Attraction says, “You attract that which is a match to how you are feeling.”
Don’t wait for 20/20 hindsight. What will you start doing differently – TODAY?
Start living your life with the joy of a small child.
If you have your health, enjoy every bit of it. If you are ailing in some way, enjoy what you can – the sun on your face, the sound of laughter, the music of nature. Joy is why we are here and it is all around us. Grab some. It’s free.
Silver
