If I could I would live my life over.
This time I would try to make more mistakes.
I would try not to be so perfect,
I would laugh more.
I would be so much sillier than I have been 
that I would take few things seriously.
I would be less hygienic.
I would risk more, take more trips, contemplate more sunsets, 
climb more mountains, ford more streams.
I would go to more places I have never been.
I would eat more ice cream and fewer beans.
I would have more real problems and fewer imaginary ones.
I was one of those people who lived every minute of life sensibly and productively.
Of course I had moments of delight.
But if I were able to go back it would be for good moments only.
Because, if you don’t know it, that’s what life’s made of: moments.
Do not waste even this one.
I was a guy who never went anywhere without
 a thermometer, a hot water bottle, an umbrella, and a poncho.
If I could live my life again I would travel more lightly.
If I could live again I would start going barefoot
 when spring comes and not stop till fall’s long gone.
I would walk down more side streets, contemplate more dawns,
 and play with more children, if I had my life ahead of me again.
But, come now.
I am 85 years old.
I know I am dying.

What would you do? Have your say in the comments.
Enjoyed this poem? Check out some other popular inspirational poems.

Get just one email per month with the best bits from the blog and any latest news.

If you have enjoyed this page you might be interested in my books or in subscribing to my blog’s RSS feed.

Finally, would you mind “re-tweeting” this page on Twitter? (Stupid word, I know, but pretty helpful for me. Thanks!) Just click the logo: