Top Ten Things I Don’t Regret Doing in My Life So Far
by Charlotte Siems
I will turn 52 years old soon (the day doesn’t matter, because the birthday isn’t the point). Birthdays are usually a time of reflection and evaluation for me. Come to think of it, I’m not real sure how I got to be in my 50’s. I feel more like thirty-something.
At any rate, since it’s almost my birthday, here are the Top Ten Things I Don’t Regret Doing in My Life So Far, in no particular order:
1. Getting married young.
2. Having twelve children.
3. Homeschooling.
4. Spending tons of time with my children.
5. Marrying my husband.
6. Making a homey home.
7. Celebrating holidays, even small ones.
8. T-Tapping my way to 100-pound weight loss and becoming a T-Tapp Trainer to help and encourage others.
9. Breastfeeding and natural childbirth.
10. Being a Christian.
I realize that others make different choices for themselves and their families. These are just some things that stand out in my memory as being choices that now bring me a great deal of satisfaction.
Do I have some regrets? Of course. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not perfect. I could make a long list of things I wish I hadn’t done, and things I wish I’d known, especially as a wife and mother.
While it’s important to honestly evaluate ourselves and ask forgiveness where needed (without rationalizing or being a martyr), constantly focusing on regrets and what-ifs is a recipe for depression.
Okay, so here’s a short list of Three Things I Wish I’d Known:
1. I can choose my thoughts.
2. Kids will be adults most of their lives.
3. Most of my struggles stem from self-focus and lack of faith.
I finally realized that thinking I didn’t do anything well was a sort of false humility and self-focus. I thought I was being humble, and it turns out I was being prideful. Don’t get me started on that sermon.
Our grown children are coming in this weekend for an early birthday party for me. It warms my mother’s heart and I can’t wait to see them all. At one time in my life, presents would have been important but now I just want to see everyone together and hear their laughter.
Thanks for letting me share some birthday perspective with you.
I'd love to hear your thoughts, so please leave a comment below.
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 Charlotte Siems is a home-maker, home manager, T-Tapp Trainer, teacher, speaker and author. Her story of losing over 100 pounds with T-Tapp has encouraged thousands of people all over the world. She specializes in making home management and T-Tapp "doable" for real people and real life. She is happy to be a wife and mother of twelve children whom she has successfully taught at home for 25 years. |
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