Confessions of an Eighty-five-year old Man

The following piece was written by an eighty-five-year old man who learned that he was dying. It is particularly relevant.

               “ If I had my life to live over again, I’d try to make more mistakes next time. I wouldn’t be so perfect. I would relax more. I’d limber up. I’d be silier than I’ve been on this trip. In fact, I know very few things that I would take so seriously. I’d be crazier. I’d be less hygienic.

               “I’d take more chances, I’d take more trips, I’d climb more mountains, I’d swim more rivers, I’d visit places I’ve never been to. I’d eat more ice cream and fewer beans.

               “ I’d have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones!

               “You see, I was one of those people who lived prophylactically and sensibly and sanely hour after hour and day after day. Oh, I’ve had my moments, and if I had it to do over again, I’d have more of those moments – moment by moment by moment.

               “I’ve been one of those people who never went anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat and a parachute. If I had it to do all over again, I’d travel lighter next time.

               “If I had it to do all over again, I’d start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay way later in the fall. I’d ride more merry-go-rounds, I’d watch more sunrises, and I’d play with more children, if I have my life to live over again.

               “But you see, I don’t.”

               Isn’t this message a beautiful reminder? The old man realized that in order to be happier, in order to get more out of life, he did not have to go and change the world. The world is already beautiful. He had to change himself. 

-        All You Wanted To Know About HAPPINESS