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If I could do it all over again …

… I wouldn’t go to a cheap place for a Brazilian wax.

…I wouldn’t eat an entire sleeve of thin mints in one sitting and claim it as a meal. {Although I’m sure there is protein in there somewhere}

…I wouldn’t have been so rude to my mother when I was a teenager. {And on that note, I would have listened more and probably made fewer mistakes}

…I wouldn’t have thought I was fat. Ever. {Self-confidence is an amazing thing}

…I wouldn’t have trusted as many people with my personal life details.

…I would have learned much earlier in life that only a few people actually care and the rest just want something to gossip about.

…I would have started writing my book years ago.

…I wouldn’t have quit practicing the piano and on that note, I wouldn’t have quit voice lessons either.

…I wouldn’t have spent so much money on my first wedding.

…I would have thanked my parents more for always believing in me.

…I wouldn’t have ever had fake nails.

…I would have learned that no one can complete your life more than you can and I would have learned that LONG before I got married.

…I wouldn’t have used sun-in when I was a teenager and embraced my natural dark hair long before I did.

…I would have learned to tell the people in my life that they are important to me, and that I need them, and that I missed them.

…I would have stopped assuming people knew how I felt or what I needed.

…I would have learned that words are powerful but that the actions need to back up the spoken word.

…I would have learned that being a bridesmaid in a wedding is completely overrated.

…I would have gotten divorced earlier and not stayed in a marriage just for the sake of my children. That being said, I would have been a much better wife, too.

…I would have put my phone down more and not made it an extension of my arm for the past few years. It’s freeing to BE with my family and friends and loved ones without staying in touch with people who aren’t in my presence.

…I would have enjoyed skiing with my dad more when I could – I would have soaked in those moments more and not taken for granted that one day it wouldn’t be possible for us to ski together.

…I wouldn’t have ever been the other woman, the woman in second place and I would have realized my value muuuuuuch earlier.  And on that note, I would have thanked my friends who tried to teach me my value instead of turning away from them and now — it’s too late.

…I would never have cut bangs. Not the first time and certainly not the second time.

…I would never have shoplifted candy or chapstick and anything else I thought I was entitled to. And I wouldn’t have thought my mother was stupid when I shoplifted, either.

…I would have realized I’m not entitled to anything.

…I wouldn’t have drunk that third Mexican martini at Trudy’s in 1999. I still can’t even smell tequila without getting nauseated.

…I would have interviewed my grandparents about their lives when I said I would … and now it’s too late.

…I would have told a lot more people to ‘F’ off and a LOT sooner.

…I would have learned that not everything is necessary of my commentary and that there are many battles in life but only some are actually worth participating in.

…I wouldn’t have lied to my doctor about when my water broke with my first child.

…I wouldn’t have purchased the iPhone 6+. It’s obnoxiously large.

…I wouldn’t have built so many walls around my heart.

…I would repeat the past six months again and again and again. Dating is fun. Very very very fun.

I’ve already written 630 words, and I’m certain I could go on for 600+ more. The thing is … we all have lists like this. Things we could do differently, things we wish we could change, people we wish we would never have met and people we wish we would have met sooner … but I’m a big believer in this … everything. {And I mean … EVERY damn thing happens for a reason}. The choices we make, the paths we take, the people we meet – they all bring us to where we are today. Accept the good, the bad and the ugly parts of yourself and you won’t have to worry {and not for one second} what anyone else thinks.

Accept yourself as amazing and surround yourself with people who build you up and love you for everything you are – and who laugh at you when you go cheap on a Brazilian wax!!

2 COMMENTS

  1. Wow! You were able to put into words a lot of things I’ve thought but never verbalized, and I’m a guy! Thanks for sharing your heart! I realize I’ve made some of the same mistakes (not a Brazilian wax!) but there are some things I can still act on and maybe correct! Thanks for helping me take the first step!

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