Have you ever had a do-over? Was it a good for you or did you need to do-over your do-over?
I have had many opportunities for a do-over. I think most people have.
In my life, I’ve been able to stay home and raise my kids when I needed to. And, in the same vein, I’ve been able to work when I needed to. Both have been a blessing in my life. Would I change when I worked, where I worked, or how I worked… no. Each opportunity has made me who I am today. And there are pros and cons to every situation.
In my twenties, I experienced difficulties that I’d never want to experience again. If I had the chance for a do-over? Would I take it… no. I learned GREAT life lessons through those trials. I learned how to be an adult, how to care for someone and how to forgive. When I stop, take a look backward at my life, I think it’s pretty amazing how resilient I was.
In my thirties, did I ever think I would leave my husband with three little children to take care of by myself, while I was working full-time… no, but I did. I am still married and so glad we reconciled and learned to walk together…. learning each step of the way, leaning on faith, trusting on God to help us figure it all out. Was I faith-filled during that time, no. But, I learned to be. Would I have wanted a do-over at that point… no. I learned to trust during that time; trust myself and my God.
In my forties, I learned about serving. Serving people, serving God and living life with busy children. However, I think I lost myself during that time through all the business. Driving kids to and from activities, keeping up with school work, figuring out budgets, not only with money, but with time. Would I have wanted a do-over during this time…no. So many happy memories were made through plays and musicals, band performances, track meets and in all those activities was me and my husband standing on the sidelines being so proud of our children. My definition of children…a great worry and accomplishment all in the same breath!
Now, here I am in my fifties. One child is married and living a great life on the west coast. One child is finally happy living his life loving what he does and learning so much about both that all the strife in the past has diminished and distinguished from my mind. And, then, there’s the baby of the family, who is so independent and rarely needs anything, except to borrow my car, yet can stop by my office, sit on my lap and say to me, “Hi Mom, I miss you today, so I’m here getting a hug before work.” That’s definitely not a do-over moment… but a REWIND AND REPEAT!
All the painful moments, the worries about kids, finances, time and wondering what the future holds… is diminished, distinguished when you have faith, when you are happy, when you stop and be in the moment. Life is about experiences, I may have wished for a do-over many times in my life, but am so glad I was never given that opportunity. I would only be half the person I am today. When I was depressed and lonely just a few short months ago, I am so thankful for living through that because I now know who I am and what I need for the last half of my life.
Am I hoping for a do-over anytime in the future… no. I am ready for the next adventure, where it will take me, how I will feel about it and what memories will be made!
I hope you are living in YOUR moments today… and if you thought you needed a do-over; I hope that over time it is distinguished and what is left… is happiness!
Vicki
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I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective. All the opinions expressed here are my own.
