What I Would Do Differently (The Serenity Prayer)

As a fisherman’s wife, I spent many days, weeks , months even, parenting at home with my spouse away.

It was okay. Mostly.

Here is what I would have done differently:

I would have hired a housekeeper. More. Often.

I would have gone to the lake. With the kids. While the housekeeper was cleaning. During summer months. Often.

I would have held BBQ’s in the backyard.

I would have visited people in recovery. More. Much more.

I would have written more letters. And sent them.

I would have camped out. With the kids. Under the stars. If I had needed help, I would have invited an adult friend.

I would have read more books.

I would have bicycled more.

I would have boated more.

I would have spent more time in nature.

I would have been less afraid of spending money. On myself.

I would have had more frequent eye appointments . Seen the dentist more too.

I would have joined support groups. Sooner.

I would have raised a vegetable garden.

I would have put photographs of my children up on walls. Many more.

I would have taken at least one photograph, every day.

I would have seen a massage therapist. More frequently.

I would have got my hair cut more frequently.

I would have bought the shoes I loved.

I would have been kinder to myself. And others.

I would have started a blog sooner. Or written more. Somehow. Somewhere. About something.

I would have expressed more gratitude when it was appropriate to do so.

I would have brushed the dogs and cats more often too.

I would have swam more.

I would have taken road trips. With just the kids.

I would have joined an exercise group. Maybe yoga.

I would have, could have, should have…is a pointless way to talk to myself.

I will.

I will start to do these things. And more.

I am starting to do these things.

Now. It’s not too late.

I will have more faith in The Serenity Prayer I had pinned on the bulletin board at the head of my bed when I was a teen-ager over 30 years ago:

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference”.