Tuesday, November 18, 2008

STOP!

I ran across these words.... they just were so appropriate for how I have been feeling lately. Thank you, Erma......


IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck?
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).?

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.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.'

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.look at it and really see it..... live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us!



20 comments:

  1. Great advice. I miss Erma Bombeck so much. She was a classy comedian.

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  2. So inspiring.. That made me think to enjoy more life and enjoy it with the people who loves me than waste it to useless stuff..

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  3. Lovely sayings. Great blog too. This was my first visit. I added you to my Cold Coffee blog.

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  4. seize every minute, stop worrying about small things :). Love that part.

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  5. One big thing to remember is never regret anything. All those memories above are regrets, and if things would have been different, her whole life would have been different.

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  6. Those are such great words to live by. Thank you for sharing! I'm going to pass this along to my family and friends. :)

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  7. A lovely thought provoking post. Inspiring and uplifting.

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  8. We all need to stop every once in awhile and read something like this or think about these things to keep life in perspective. It definitely makes you think-

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  9. I absolutely love Erma Bombeck and thank you so much for this post!

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  10. Erma was one smart lady! I find the older I get the more I try to let the little things go - perhaps it's grandchildren and pets who help teach me to enjoy the days I have! Thanks for this lovely reminder :)

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  11. Words to live by! She was a wise woman.

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  12. Carpe Diem - Seize the Day! I've learned this lesson when I was diagnosed with a chronic illness over 6 years ago. Although I have to be careful about my health I love life and live it to the fullest!

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  13. that is some great advice. i need to remember not to sweat the samll stuff more often.

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  14. No truer words were ever writen.My Mom got that when she was diagnosed with lung cancer and only lived a month and a half after the diagnosis.
    She said a lot more I love yous and I'm proud of you.

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  15. Oh my goodness...how touching. The one thing I'm glad I did do that the poem states was that I did listen to my grandpaw ramble about his youth and it's something I could never put a price tag on. He's not here now, but his stories are to share with my own kids.

    Thanks for Sharing,
    Jen

    http://thoughtsfromthefrontporch.blogspot.com

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  16. This is a wonderful post! And so true!! Sometimes we rush through life and miss all the small and most important things and it takes something not so good to make us see them all in different lights! Thanks for sharing!
    Your FL furiends,

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  17. Happy Thanksgiving
    I was just thinking about you and hope that you and your family have a great Thanksgiving :)
    I remember Erma :)
    Hope all is well

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  18. Love Erma and miss her! I love her wisdom. Life is just plain upside down for you right now, and I'm praying for you, Christine. So thankful for you :)

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Grab a cup of coffee and let me know your views, thoughts, or ideas.... Glad to see you here. Have a great day!