50 Things I’d Do Differently, If I knew then what I know now…

1. I would have spent more time developing my talents.
2. I would have learned to draw.
3. I would have written sooner and published sooner.
4. I would have spent more time listening to my spirit than to others.
5. I wouldn’t have stopped singing just because someone told me that I couldn’t sing.
6.  I would have waited to be intimate with someone who loved God, my spirit, and soul more than my body. I’d have wished that I’d learned sooner the difference between “I love you” and “I lust you.”
7. I would have stayed home with all my kids when they were under five and loved every moment and made do with less stuff.
8. I would have insisted on knowing all of my children’s friends and been the mom that had everyone over.
9. I would have given or thrown away all the stuff I hadn’t used in a year and not allow clutter in my sacred space.
10. I’d have made my home a ‘fortress for well-being’ instead a warehouse full of useless stuff.
11. I would have lived a much simpler life and only purchased things that I needed instead of anything that I wanted.
12. I’d have spent less and saved more so that I’d have the money to visit my grandchildren whenever I wanted.
13. I wouldn’t buy anything that I couldn’t afford.
14. I would have more dinner parties and time with my friends and not put it off for another work project.
15. I’d have taken more time to nurture the relationships between my sisters, cousins, and dear friends.
16. I’ve also have gotten to know my aunts, uncles, and grandmother while they were alive.
17. I’d have judged less and loved more unconditionally.
18. I’d have complimented my husband more and helped him to reach his dreams. I’d have shown him more gratitude for the little things and his belief in me.
19. I’d have listened to my father’s story and written it down so I could benefit from the lessons when I became his age. I’d also have written my story as it was happening.
20. I would have excelled in nutrition and health and been kinder to my body.
21.  I’d have exercised more, learned sooner about vitamins, minerals, proteins, vaccines, and pro-biotics, and would have done yoga, qi-gong and pilates sooner and religiously.
22. I’d have hired an interior decorator to make my home beautiful instead of buying a luxury car.
23. I would have been less trusting of what people said and relied more on what they actually did.
24. I would never have told a lie, gossiped about another person, or said anything unkind.
25. I would have respected myself more and not allowed others to make me feel ashamed of myself.
26. I’d have been kinder to my stepmother and perhaps she would have been able to heal and find love in her heart sooner for me.
27. Although I did well in school, I would have strived for perfection since I had the capacity. I would have stayed in school and gotten a PhD before I had kids.
28. I’d have brushed more, flossed more, and eaten less junk food as a kid and young adult.
29. I would never have stopped playing.
30. I’d have learned the value of sleep and not compromised it to reach lesser important goals.
31. I would have spent less time and energy on people who were just takers.
32. I would have focused on one career goal at a time instead of allowing outside influences purportedly to “get rich” to distract me from my calling.
33. I would spoken up more in some cases and kept my mouth shut in others.
34. I would have delegated more; hired an accountant, a housekeeper, and anyone else who could do certain jobs better than me.
35. I would not have gotten out of sync with the sun.
36. I would have gotten outdoors more.
37. I would have created more habits that brought me joy and health.
38. I would listen more and talk less.
39. I would write more, much, much more and publish more.
40. I would create rituals like calling each kid everyday and tell them I love them, even though I feel they know it.
41. I’d have spent more time with my grandchildren.
42. I’d have protected my credit better.
43. I’d have spent less time on friends that do not value my friendship and more on those who show they care.
44. I’d never have stopped going into nature. I’d never gotten afraid of bugs and limiting my time outdoors in nature.
45. I’d never have stopped running since I loved it.
46. I’d say “I love you” everyday to those I love in ways that they could hear me.
47. I’d have protected all of my children better.
48. I would have shared my pain too and not be seen only as the Superwoman who doesn’t cry.
49. I’d focus more and finish what I have started.
50. I’d never have stopped sewing.

The first half of this list was written about five years ago and the latter today. The great thing about reflection, is that you STILL CAN DO many of the things you wish you had done. And, for the ones you can’t you can share your wisdom with others who may benefit.  I love life and I am glad that I am alive, because the alternative is….. I hope you are grateful for your life too!

Barbara