NOTE: I’m skipping #4 – I wish I would have stayed connected to friends.  I wrote a nice article but WordPress would not let me post it…WordPress was not my friend…so I’m moving on.  At any rate, call a friend today and tell them you are thankful for them.

I wish that I had let myself be happier

So, #5 on the regret list is that these 90 year olds lamented the fact they had lived in what life was supposed to be instead of a life they wanted it to be.  They stayed mired in their comfortable, unfilling lives instead of being bold, taking chances, going for the gusto.

I wish that I had let myself be happier

I wish I would have asked that girl out.  I wish I would have attempted that job or new venture.  I wish I had taken more trips.  I wish I would have…fill in the blank.  I am a believer that happiness, like joy, is found in contentment.  Contentment is not settling but accepting.  Things don’t always work out.  People start a business and it fails.  They can be happy that they tried.

I wish that I had let myself be happier

We all know the adage that life is a journey, not a destination.  My good friend Jerry says, “this is not a dress rehearsal.”  I have spent a good part of my life conforming to what family/people/society told me was proper and/or right and I haven’t enjoyed much of it.  The way I dressed.  My job.  The people I hung out with.  At one time they all looked good but it wasn’t me.  I’m much happier in boots, jeans and a cowboy hat than a cardigan, khakis and loafers so guess what I wear now.  It’s a simple thing but simple things add up to be complex things.

I wish that I had let myself be happier

Today is a new day.  Tomorrow is a new day.  Go create the world you dream about.  Or, at least look for the happiness in what you now have.  Many times there is much to be grateful for in what we consider a mundane life.  Look for the goodness and enjoy it.

Grace and peace.