5 Things I’ll Never Regret – A Day in the Life of a Mom

5 Things I’ll never regret

As I’ve grown older with each year I realize  that people seem to regret the things they didn’t do much more so than things they did do….. Let me explain. I’ve listened to friends, parents, grandparents and friends taking care of relatives unto death and when looking back on their lives I hear a common theme that rings true in my own life as well – you regret what you didn’t do. Whatever the reason, a boy, a school, taking a new job, moving – it doesn’t matter what, when you look back you wonder how that event, or how your life would have change had you taken that chance.

Fear cripples all of us at one time or another, but ask your self frequently, “What you’d do if you weren’t afraid?” – afraid of ridicule, afraid of having no money if you failed, afraid of not being loved, afraid of losing. What would you do differently?

1. Staying with my husband – We’ve had our share of arguments over things big and small but he’s the most amazing father I’ve ever seen. He may not have helped with the dishes last night but he rocked my 5 year old to sleep. It’s all a give and take but those small acts of true love are priceless
2. Taking care of my parents – My father passed of Alzheimers Disease on Thanksgiving day 4 years ago and I never regretting taking care of him. Every Monday I’d go in and bathe him, dress him, and make sure he was well fed. This summer I placed my life on hold after a fall my mother had from a mini stroke. When her stay in the hospital was over we knew she wasn’t quite ready to be back on her own so I reclaimed my old bedroom and help her with everyday living until she’s strong enough to make it back on her own. My 2 youngest kids come with me and the lesson they’re learning is so much more than they could ever learn in school.
3. College  – Like so many of us I’m not using the major I studied in college but I’m using my college education every day of my life as a home school mom, in various tasks, and in my community. It opened my eyes to a broader world with different perspectives and I work daily to pass that along to my children.
4. Gift giving – Gratitude through gifts, notes and sharing always keeps me grounded. When dance class was over for my children we were sure to give a small gift of thanks to each teacher. And, when the Christmas season arrives, I’m always sure to remember the volunteers in the lives of my children (boy scouts etc). The small gifts presented show thankfulness to my children and open the hearts of those receiving.
5. Staying home with my kids – this is a hard one and an amazing commitment. I’m a home school mom with a part time blog but I’ve never regretted this time with my family. My kids are so amazing and the center of my life and I’m so glad that I’m not rushing them out door, dosing them up on Tylenol because I can’t miss another day on the job and missing so many “firsts” in their lives. For that I’m soooo blessed. Sure, there’s a definite trade off. When we vacation it’s a budget vacation and I’m still packing food and cooking. With 2 incomes other families may be eating out. I pack drinks and snack for the car and with 2 incomes others may be stopping for take out – it’s all a trade but one I don’t regret.