*If I Had To Do It All Over Again

This poem was shared at a time of reflection during my Kripalu YTT500 Module. It really brought lightness and a fresh perspective to a time that could have been pretty serious and intense. Nadine Stair lives in Kentucky. Age 85 she was asked what she would do differently if you got to live her life all over again. This is what she said:

If I had my life to live over again,
I’d try to make more mistakes next time.
I’d relax. I’d limber up.
I would be crazier. I would be less hygienic.
I’d be sillier than I’ve been this trip.

I would take fewer things seriously.
I would take more chances, I would take more trips.
I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers,
and watch more sunsets.
I would burn more gasoline. I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would, perhaps, have more actual troubles but fewer imaginary ones.
You see, I’m one of those people who was sensible and sane,
hour after hour, day after day.

Oh, I’ve had my moments.
If I had to do it over again, I’d have more of them.
In fact, I’d try to have nothing else- just moments,
one after another, instead of living so many years ahead each day.
I’ve been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot-water bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute.

If I could do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.
If I had to live my life over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring
and stay that way later in the fall.
I would play hooky more. I would’t make such good grades
except by accident
I would ride more merry-go-rounds,

I would pick more daisies!

– Nadine Stair

This is dedicated to my dear coaching clients who are becoming true to themselves and lightening up along the way 💌