My Last Day

For as long as I can remember, my Grandpa had this poem hanging in his bathroom. I have always found it inspiring, but especially so this week..

Pick more Daisies

By Nadine Stair

If I had my life to live over, I’d dare to make more mistakes next time. I’d relax, I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances. I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but I’d have fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I’m one of those people who lived sensibly and sanely, hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I’ve had my moments, and 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 of 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 had to do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies.

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As I have begun to make my own decisions in how I parent, how I relate to God, and who I want to be.
I find myself asking more and more:

What if today was my last day on earth?

My last day with my husband, and my children.

Would I hug them more and yell at them less?

Would I let the laundry be and do finger paints instead?

Would I roll in the grass and stare up at the sky?

Would I keep saying “one more minute” or would I put it down and pay attention?

Would I count calories or would I simply enjoy my meals?

Would I stop saying no and start saying yes?

Would I stop being self-conscious and let myself be silly?

Would I stop asking “if” something is possible and start asking “how” to do it?

Would I keep up appearances or would I drop the facade and be myself?

How different would life be if lived as though each day was the last?

Bigger Picture Moments is a place where we step back and take in life. This week it’s being hosted by Trains, Tutus and Tea time. Hop over to her blog to read more about the Bigger Picture, and maybe share your own moment.