I don't want to make my readers feel morbid and sad, but this list makes me cry every time I read it. It also makes me think about my own life/mistakes (however big or small they may have been).
My mum died at a very young age of cancer (aged 49) and I know she had her list too. Some things she asked me to include/write onto my own list were:
i) never start a new day with an old argument ( talking about our partners here). And I have kept my promise on this one.
ii)worry less, and think less about things that don’t really matter; worry is the interest you pay on a debt that may not be yours.
iii)learn to “stop and smell the roses", you'll regret it if you don't.
iv) don't save your best clothes and jewellery for a special occasion; everyday is a special occasion. There is no "dress rehearsal" in life.
v) don't follow trends religiously; be yourself. Wear your ballet tutu to the supermarket if it makes you happy.
Here's Belinda's list:
*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 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.
What would you do if you had your life over again up until this stage?
Wow this is really good. I am just reading this and nodding my head in agreement.
ReplyDeleteGreat lists!! And since I am faced with Living a new life ... I've been working on my list of things I WILL do this time in my life!!! Happy Sunday ..HHL
ReplyDeleteThank you HHL and style'n: It really does make you think what should/shouldn't be of importance.
ReplyDelete@HHL-I can well imagine your list has changed considerably and in fact I was thinking of you as I posted this ;-)
This is such an amazing post! Thank you so much for posting it. One of my favorites is "iv" on your list - I keep trying to drill it into people's minds on a daily basis that every day is a "special occasion". Cheers!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful, Vanessa. :-) Being so very sick this past year and wondering if I was dying put a lot of things into perspective for me too. I love this list. Some of the things on my list would be: forgive thoroughly, be ruled by love instead of fear, eat deliciously whenever possible, spend money on people and experiences instead of things, love yourself so you can love others beautifully. Thank you again for these lovely reminders. :-) You made me smile today. :-)
ReplyDeleteSuch a touching post and a needed reminder to us of what's really important. I've always felt the truth in each day being a special occasion. When I met my husband, I told him that I find something to celebrate in every day. Sometimes when it gets very busy and I get harried he reminds me of that fact! ;) Have a wonderful week and lots of celebrations, Vanessa darling. xoxo
ReplyDeleteRambling Tart and Sandy:
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your lovely comments and perspecite.
@Ramblingtart-it's unfortunate, but most of us only take stock when we are brought to our knees.I love "spend money on people and experiences!" That is certainly going to be my mantra from now on.
@Sandy-how lovely that you find something to celebrate everyday, and that hubby is there to give you a nudge when things become too much; wonderful!
Amazing post. For me, I would have given up less on things just out of fear and been more adventurous. But I'm still young and have vowed to really live life rather than just existing in it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a thought-provoking post, Vanessa. It's teared me up a bit, and I hope our periods of self-reflection will inspire us to enjoy the beautiful, simple things in life like wind in our hair and popcorn in the living room.
ReplyDeleteWonderful, wonderful post. I would have gone to college right out of high school (rather than now when I am 41) and realized there is a time to every season. I have my whole life to work...I should have used that time to learn and make life-long friends. I am making sure my children do not make the same mistake I did. This post is another keeper!
ReplyDeleteI love these poignant posts that you write.
ReplyDeleteI'm not going to answer glibly, I'm going to give this serious thought today and write the answers in my notebook and try to live by them.
Thank you Tabitha, Beth, Rebekah, Jen and Kaylee.
ReplyDeletePleased it struck a chord with all of you. It's not about me being "`preachy", just a gentle reminder to myself and all my wonderful friends.
wonderful lists!
ReplyDeletehttp://design-elements-blog.com/
I did cry! This is just amazing. Reminds me of something my best friend did as she was dying from breast cancer.
ReplyDeleteOn a happier note, I received the gorgeous earrings today!!! Thank you, darling! They're lovely and I will be wearing them frequently. Can't wait to wear them this weekend :)
Hope you're having a lovely day! Oh and thank you for sharing all of your beauty picks with me xoxo
@TAW (aka Dawn):
ReplyDeleteSo pleased the earrings arrived. I was starting to think the Spanish postal system had sent them by donkey! Do post a photo of you wearing them ;-)