Last month I turned 56 years old and four days later my Mom passed away. Birthdays are usually a time of reflection and evaluation for me, but that was especially true this year. Losing a loved one makes you think about priorities and evaluate your life. As part of that reflection, I want to share with you 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 (29 years and counting…)
4. Spending tons of time with my children.
5. Marrying my husband.
6. Making a homey home.
7. Celebrating holidays, even small ones.
8. Having a family business that changes lives in so many ways.
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.
Hope you enjoyed my very personal Top Ten Things I Don’t Regret Doing So Far in My Life. They weren’t always easy things to do, but they were definitely worth it.
Pat Schaeffer says
March 18, 2016 at 5:01 amI am so blessed by this ministry and look forward to seeing Charlotte’s name and knowing a friend (whom I have never met in person, just by our hearts touching each other), has come to visit my home that day. I learn so much and when we see a message like this, we can see God’s hand is in it all! This helps me reflect on what God is doing in my life and learning how to go forward with the wisdom God has shared with my friend! That has made me a more enlightened Christian woman, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us! You definitely touch my heart in Maine-that in itself is a testimony of God’s love and plan for my life and that of my husband!
Dina Barron says
March 18, 2016 at 9:25 amHear, hear! Pat is absolutely right, Charlotte. You are a blessing and encouragement to us all.
Susan Smith says
March 18, 2016 at 1:35 pmHi Chqrlotte,
Thank so much for sharing your list of top 10 things you don’t regret doing. Although some things on your list don’t exactly mirror things on my list, many of them still do. I, too, am in a time of reflection as my mom passed away the end of October last year, and I will be turning 60 next month. As I reflect on my life, I see the Lord’s handiwork written all over it time and time again despite the fact that I didn’t always “get it right” as a wife and mother. I totally agree with you that is hasn’t always been easy, but having the Lord on my side, has made it worth it!
Teresa Murray says
April 19, 2016 at 10:44 amHi Charlotte! I enjoyed reading this! I was looking at your T-Tapp articles as I have started up again with T-Tapp. I am so glad to hear that you may not see results until 2 weeks because that is exactly what I have experienced! I had done 10 15 min. work-outs in 2 weeks and am just now seeing my clothes are looser. I am continuing on and have also started walking, mindful of my posture and feet out. What a difference that makes! Blessings, Teresa
Libby Inglett says
June 11, 2016 at 9:01 pmI love this, Charlotte! Thank you so much for encouraging us! I plan to make a list of 10 things I don’t regret before I go to bed tonight!
Kathy says
June 16, 2016 at 5:15 amI miss your posts Charlotte!
Charlotte says
June 17, 2016 at 5:45 pmKathy, I’ll be back this week! 🙂