Doubts and misgivings seem to be normal when you look back
at your life during the empty nest years. Regrets
that…you didn’t do this or that. Wishing that you’d known what you know now,
then you would have made different decisions about: schooling, career, choice
of spouse, where to live, retirement plans, etc. The list is endless of what
you’d change. Although, few would want to go back and relive life without the
wisdom and understanding that you’ve acquired through overcoming the trials and
challenges of life.
Perhaps
you need have no regrets, only gratitude for the lessons
learned. There’s only one chance at living here. Wasting time focused on the past
or what ifs, will
get you nowhere fast. Life is a learning experience. Each mistake teaches you
something.
Is life rushing by you as fast as it is for me? I can see
the months turning into years then decades too quickly as I rush through each
busy day. Today my hubby was so pleased at lunch when I fixed his favorite
food––pizza, that he said, I'm going to miss you when I’m gone.
That brought a laugh from me. I realize that I’m going to
miss him when he’s gone, too. His wry sense of humor, little courtesies he
shows me like opening the car door for me to get in and out, etc. Although I
could easily open my own doors, I’ve trained myself to slow down and allow him
to be a gentleman. He’s always there
for me with love, steadfastness and integrity.
Do
I have regrets? No. Although perhaps there’s one––that I could live with more
gratitude daily for simple blessings. Here’s a poem I wrote about regrets:
It
was an unexpected visitor,
I opened the door unknowingly.
Coming in
quickly and quietly,
it spread throughout the room.
I realized too
late what had happened,
as regrets multiplied.
Unable to move, letting the
reality
of the moment settle;
drowning in despair, I could not
break
loose from its grip.
Struggling only increased its
tentacles around my
heart
till I thought I would burst.
A muffled scream escaped my lips:
Why
me, it's just not fair
I didn't ask for this or want it.
My life was so carefully planned
and then this happened. WHY?
NEXT TIME: Simplify