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 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 sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains. 

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. Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with. And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, phyically, emotionally, as well as spiritually. 

Life is too short to let it pass you by. We only have one shot at this and then it's gone. I hope you all have a blessed day.

You are right!! I've moaned less today!! It really makes such a difference if we are in the right frame of mind..you know what I mean? 

It is a wonderful inspirational piece Barb. I think sometimes we have to moan though - it's part of being human so carry on enjoying a good moan!!! As I have told you before my father got MS when he was 40 and was finally diagnosed when I was 12. My Mom always said from that moment on "Live each day as if it were your last" and I still wake up every day with that thought.

I am the same way Sue...worried about what my house looks like when in reality, it's not the house we remember..it's the visit! Right?

I feel the same way except mine is so bad nobody can sit down anywhere!! 

Oh, Sue, you read my mind!  I have exactly the same kind of house and friend!  I'll remember this the next time I'm moaning about my cluttered, dirty-carpet little house.