Introducing a new column that will appear regularly in the MSR
Recently I was asked why would I want to write a column titled “Every Day is a Do Over.” I responded that I wish someone had told me sooner in this life that I could do better tomorrow.
Yes, I have to be honest, it took me awhile to figure that out. As I reflect back over my life, I can think of so many things that I would do differently. I would also repeat a lot of things that went well that I thought were a fluke or just somehow happened.
I know I am not the only one who reflects back and thinks of those kinds of things. As a matter of fact, about every two to three months I will get an email showing an older lady having just such thoughts. Why it’s a lady is funny to me, because men do the same things.
Okay, this lady is wearing white socks — one sock up and one down — her hair is a mess, her dress is one that my grandmother wore, a cigarette hangs out of her mouth, and she’s sitting in a rocking chair muttering. Her thoughts come out as she mutters – should have danced more, laughed out loud, played with the kids, ate too much, wore the bikini swim suit…you know what I mean.
Those moments of reflection where I could have entertained a stranger, thought more about the words that came out of my mouth, or seen someone else as a human being in spite of my stuff. Yep, I have some skeletons in my closet. The joy is that I have more than one closet.
I don’t open up the closet with skeletons, step in and close the door — no I don’t. I look in and say nope, not going to wear that anymore.
I go to the closet that holds memories of a great love song, the closet where I laughed so much I thought I would wet my pants, the closet where my siblings did or said something so wild I held my breath. And yes, I go to the closet where I smile and admit I was a hot mess.
I hope you will hang in with me and let me know about your “do over’s.” Email, call the paper, or however you communicate, get back to me and let me know what you think of what I share. Be well!
Bob-e Simpson Epps has spent 40+ years leaning into life’s issues personally and professionally. She shares a revival of spirit, great hope and passion with others who have faced many of the same issues. She welcomes reader responses to bsimpepps@yahoo.com, or visit her blog at http://msbobe.wordpress.com.
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