If I Had My Life To Live Over
If I Had My Life To Live Over
© 2000 Dr. Dale Peterson; © 2006 Wellness Clubs of America.com
It is not uncommon to hear an individual wistfully say, “If I had my life to live over I’d . . . “ All too often the words express regret or disappointment. It may reflect the pain of consequences suffered as the result of an unwise decision or impulsive action. Too often, however, the regret stems from a sense of things left undone – of paths not taken, of words left unsaid. One of the greatest challenges we face as individuals and as a society is that of actively living rather that simply passing time. It is the challenge of making a life while we are making a living. Physicians are particularly aware of this. There is an old saying that expresses the importance of living a balanced life: “No one ever said on his or her deathbed, ‘I wish I had spent more time at the office!’” I am in the habit of reading on a daily basis. It is a practice I highly recommend. I rarely sit down in an easy chair to read. I haven’t time for that. I read in five or ten minutes segments, usually while doing other activities such as eating or waiting in line to conduct business or attend a function. It is a habit that provides regular insights into how to conduct my affairs, and which occasionally causes me to rethink my approach to life in a significant way. I recently read a passage that changed my perception. It was what one might call an “AHA!” experience - one of those, “Why didn’t I think of that sooner?” events. I’m not certain which book triggered the thought, so I’m unable to give proper credit. It’s not uncommon for me to be reading three or more books simultaneously. Sometimes it’s the blend of ideas rather than one specific author’s comments that provides a fresh perspective or a new insight. To fully understand and appreciate my new approach to life you must know a bit about my family and me. Unlike some families in which people tend to routinely live into their 90s or beyond, people in my family tend to die at an early age. My father died at age 54 and my grandfather at about 60 years of age. Most of my uncles had heart attacks or strokes in their fifties as well. I was born in 1947 and if my math is correct, that places my current life expectancy precariously close to 0. I have learned, however, that an individual can change his or her destiny. I do not intend to follow in my father’s footsteps and die in my early fifties. Barring an unforeseen injury I expect to go on living for many more decades. That means that I literally have my life to live over! It is though I was born yesterday and have my whole life in front of me. This time I have a major advantage, however. The main character in the movie “The Natural” is Roy Hobbs who lost the chance to be the best baseball player of all time by making a unwise decision as a young man on his way to the major leagues. Toward the end of the movie he is reunited with his childhood sweetheart. She suggests that he put the past behind him stating, “I believe that we have two lives: The life we learn with and the life we live after that.” I consider the opportunity to life my life over a special gift. The lessons I have learned over the past fifty years are many. I have a great base upon which to build. The life I live from this point forward should be tremendous. I write this not to excite you about my future, but to encourage you to recognize that you, also, have the opportunity to live your life over. Today is the first day of your new life. Take time to reflect upon your life to this point. It is the life you have learned with. Do you have any regrets? What would you change if you could start over? What paths would you take? How and with whom would you spend your time? Reflection is the first step to a new life. The second is to act on what you have learned. I recently learned of a pediatrician who is 104 years young. She still sees about 25 children each day in her office. When asked to explain her vitality she replied, “Do something you love. If you hate what you do you will die!” Begin today to live your life as if you have just been given the opportunity to start anew, for that is indeed the situation. Each new day is truly a gift – an opportunity to live your life over! Discover what you love to do and pursue it. Your new life will be tremendous! Receive the latest Wellness Updates and News. Subscribe now at WellnessClubsofAmerica.com |