Things I’ve Never Regretted
The reason I called this site Books, Mostly was to give myself a little wiggle room if I got a rare urge to share something that wasn't exactly about books, like the following. Enjoy...
I am approaching what the Social Security Administration calls ‘full retirement age’, nearly 67 years old. Even if I reach 100, two-thirds of my years are already expended. This milestone prompted me to reflect on my past to see if it might inform how I spend my future. It is tempting — in a dismal way — to ponder missed opportunities. “What if I had…[fill in blank with alternate life choice].” A small course alteration years ago and my life would be so different today. That smacks of regret. Regret is miserable and easy enough to find without intentionally searching for it. So, I’ll pass.
Other people in my peer group are fond of creating ‘bucket lists’ of things they want to do before it’s too late. I’m just not wired that way. A lack of ambition, perhaps. What I have landed on is another kind of list, not in any particular order, of things I have done in the past that I am sure I want to do again in the future. It is neither comprehensive nor overly specific as that would descend into infinite triviality (i.e., ‘flossing regularly’ is not on the list). Another way of saying “things I’ve never regretted” is “things that have brought me joy”.
There is nothing meaningful about my stopping at 21 items. On another day I might have come up with 11 or 33. I recommend that you make your own unique list. I am pretty sure you won’t regret it.
- Eating that second piece of blueberry pie.
- Holding a baby.
- Reaching out to friends, even if I’ve waited too long.
- Saying “I do” and waking up almost every morning ever since with Karen.
- Reading stories to my children and grandchildren.
- Creating a piece of art, no matter how amateurish.
- Writing, for hours.
- Drinking good coffee early in the morning.
- Saying “Yes” when my daughters ask to go somewhere with Dad.
- Taking road trips with my family.
- Attending weddings and funerals.
- Watching a handful of movies over and over and over and…
- Filling our house with books.
- Paying debt off early.
- Telling the truth.
- Doing quality work, regardless of who knew about it.
- Sharing my time, knowledge, money.
- Saying “Thank you” to those made my life better in large and small ways.
- Learning to say “I love you” as an adult (better late than never).
- Making someone laugh or smile.
- Being home for dinner.
