HONOR THE LESSONS OF LIFE
"Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sometimes, our lessons in life simply involve observing what is around us. I love this writing from Erma Bombeck:
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER
Someone asked me the other day if I had my life to live over would I change anything.
My answer was no, but then I thought about it and changed my mind.
If I had my life to live over again I would have waxed less and listened more.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy and complaining about the shadow over my feet, I’d have cherished every minute of it and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was to be my only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
I would have eaten popcorn in the “good” living room and worried less about the dirt when you lit the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have burnt the pink candle that was sculptured like a rose before it melted while being stored.
I would have sat cross-legged on the lawn with my children and never worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television … and more while watching real life.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband which I took for granted.
I would have eaten less cottage cheese and more ice cream.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick, instead of pretending the Earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for a day.
I would never have bought ANYTHING just because it was practical/wouldn’t show soil/guaranteed to last a lifetime.
When my child kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now, go get washed up for dinner.”
There would have been more I love yous … more I’m sorrys … more I’m listenings … but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute of it … look at it and really see it … try it on … live it … exhaust it … and never give that minute back until there was nothing left of it.
ERMA BOMBECK, EAT LESS COTTAGE CHEESE AND MORE ICE CREAM: THOUGHTS ON LIFE FROM ERMA BOMBECK
Dear Angels, Just like Erma, I would do a few things differently if given a do-over. Mostly, though, my do-overs would involve time spent with those close to me and being more fully present. We all make choices every day, and there truly are no do-overs, just awakenings to change what we can while there is still time to do so.
Dear Ones, the important thing to keep in mind is that you are learning and growing with each moment. You cannot live your life in constant regret. Stay in the present moment. Let go of those things you cannot change. They were your best teachers. But, Dear Ones, you don’t ask your teachers to physically stand beside you to hold your hand as you walk forward, do you? You must eventually step away on your own and remember the lesson. The teacher has a responsibility to continue helping those who need what they have to offer. Honor them by giving gratitude. Honor the lesson learned by leaving it where it is in your timeline of life. There are new lessons to be learned as you venture forth. Some build on the old, and some will be entirely different. Never regret the lesson but honor it by making the changes that it showed you to incorporate into your life.
Dear Angels, thank you. I love you. Namaste, y’all.
Today, I promise to honor all my lessons of life with no regrets.
Teri Angel is a Happiness Coach, energy healer, best-selling author, spiritual teacher and mentor, and motivational speaker. Teri’s movement “Peas For Peace” involves strengthening our awareness of the oneness of all, unifying mankind through compassion, peace, love and joy. She was named "She Who Blesses the Sacred Land" during the Peace On Earth Tour and embraces that title with loving grace. Teri is also the co-founder of the global movement and non-profit organization Ten Million For World Peace.
To donate to the Peace On Earth Tour, click this link: Donate
To book a private session with Teri, https://bit.ly/bookwithTeri
