If I Could Live My Life Over

If I could live my life over, I would love people more and criticize them less, if ever.

I would understand that no one is perfect and everyone will let you down sometimes.  I would remember that in spite of my efforts, I let people down too.

I would realize that frustration with others doesn’t change anything, and the there is small likelihood of anyone changing in response to my direction or words.  I would see that people walk their own paths and I may not comprehend their situation, even if think I do.

I would be more loving with my own family and less impatient with them and others.

I would take time to play with my children.

I would give more hugs and laugh more.

If I could live my life over, I would worry much less and have faith much more.

I would not worry about having the approval of other people and concentrate on having God’s approval.

Once a day I would look in the mirror and say to myself, “I am doing the best I can.”  Then I would climb a hill and yell into the wind this message to my imagined critics, “I really don’t give a damn what you think.”

I would forgive myself and others more.  I wouldn't distract myself from feeling bad about myself by dwelling on others’ flaws. I would quickly let go of others’ behavior that I perceive as inappropriate and put that energy into living my own life well.

 If could live my life over, I would remember more often to look for the humor in situations.

I would not compare myself with others and realize everyone looks good at church. 

I would keep in mind that this is earth life and it’s is normal for people, places, and things not to be ideal.  And I wouldn’t be mad about it.

I would remind myself that things will blow over when I made mistakes, and that everyone makes them. 

I would look at the bigger picture when trials came my way and have a sense of excitement about the great things in store for me, just around the corner.

I would remember to look forward, not back.  This day is the first day of the rest of my life.