Another year over, and a new one just begun

I don't make resolutions, I think they set me up for failure. I try to do my best (mostly) every day. That's for all things: my health-mental & physical, my parenting, my work, my marriage. I'm a work in progress. After all, life's a journey, not a destination.

I have a few framed 'lists' that I keep around my little home office area. I try to read them often when things get crazy to remind me of the important things.

There's one list I don't have framed. It was written by Erma Bombeck when she learned she was dying. Have you ever read it? I wanted to share it with you now in celebration of the new year. I hope you remember some of these often, I know I do.

"IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER”

I would have talked less and listened more. 

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and 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 rambling about his youth.

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 burned the pink candle sculped like a rose before it melted 
in storage. 

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 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 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, realising 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" and more "I'm sorry's" 

. . . but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute . . . 
look at it and really see it . . . and never give it back." 

— Erma Bombeck

I wish you all health, happiness & prosperity in the coming year!