• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Value This Life
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
Value This Life

Value This Life

Helping you find more joy & beauty in everyday life

  • Be Happy
    • Help for a Good Attitude
    • Handling Stress
    • Perspective for Moms
    • Self-Care
      • Adrenal Fatigue
  • Manage Your Time & Life
    • How to Get Stuff Done
    • Manage Your Home
    • Paper & Digital Planning
  • Easy Family Recipes
    • Beverages
    • Cookies
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Candy/Goodies
  • Home & Family
    • Life @Our House
    • Family Celebrations
    • Homeschooling

Top Ten Things I Don’t Regret Doing

toptenthings

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.

wedding

2. Having twelve children.

siems12.small_

3. Homeschooling (29 years and counting…)

weirdok

4. Spending tons of time with my children.

boatokc

5. Marrying my husband.

mauicouple

6. Making a homey home.

bedroom

7. Celebrating holidays, even small ones.

cmas

8. Having a family business that changes lives in so many ways.

team

9. Breastfeeding and natural childbirth.

tom

10. Being a Christian.

nate

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.

You Might Also Like:

  • 5 Things I Wish I’d Known as a Young Mom5 Things I Wish I’d Known as a Young Mom
  • Things That Matter….and Things That Don’tThings That Matter….and Things That Don’t
  • When You Want to Be An Organized MomWhen You Want to Be An Organized Mom
  • Thoughts on 32 Years of Homeschooling (So Far)Thoughts on 32 Years of Homeschooling (So Far)

About Charlotte

I'm a grateful wife & mom of 12 amazing persons. I love to inspire & teach busy women to find beauty in everyday life by caring for themselves, creating comfortable homes with their families and living out ordinary days with grace and gratitude. I'd love to encourage YOU!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pat Schaeffer says

    March 18, 2016 at 5:01 am

    I 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!

    Reply
    • Dina Barron says

      March 18, 2016 at 9:25 am

      Hear, hear! Pat is absolutely right, Charlotte. You are a blessing and encouragement to us all.

      Reply
  2. Susan Smith says

    March 18, 2016 at 1:35 pm

    Hi 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!

    Reply
  3. Teresa Murray says

    April 19, 2016 at 10:44 am

    Hi 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

    Reply
  4. Libby Inglett says

    June 11, 2016 at 9:01 pm

    I 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!

    Reply
  5. Kathy says

    June 16, 2016 at 5:15 am

    I miss your posts Charlotte!

    Reply
    • Charlotte says

      June 17, 2016 at 5:45 pm

      Kathy, I’ll be back this week! 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Primary Sidebar

Hello & Welcome!

I'm a grateful wife & mom of 12 amazing persons. I love to inspire & teach busy women to find beauty in everyday life by caring for themselves, creating comfortable homes with their families and living out ordinary days with grace and gratitude. I'd love to encourage YOU! Read More…

Looking for Something?

Looking For Your Tribe?

Find Me on Facebook

valuethislife

valuethislife
Have you ever procrastinated about doing something Have you ever procrastinated about doing something, with thoughts of dread and overwhelm?😬And then done the thing,  finding that it was easier and faster to get done than you thought it would be?🥴Yeah, me too. Note to self: The dreading and putting off costs a whole lot more emotional energy than just doing the thing. 😊
In our busy ordinary lives there is a tendency to In our busy ordinary lives there is a tendency to get by with the barebones of running the household—but we skip the joy, comfort and encouragement part.   We trade an artful arrangement of beautiful things on the coffee table for a stack of newspapers and mail. The TV takes the place of a board game. Irritation with our family flavors our speech.   Sometimes this happens so slowly that we barely notice it, and then one day we realize that our home life is out of sorts.  With that realization comes the choice to fix those little things. Tidy up the clutter, get the laundry caught up, read aloud to children, and set a pretty table for an ordinary supper.  Look around your home with fresh eyes to see if it needs a reset. Even 20 minutes of tidying can make an amazing difference.❤️
Unexpected October ice storm in Oklahoma. Power ha Unexpected October ice storm in Oklahoma. Power has been out for 2+ days, grateful for a generator and hot water. I figured out that complaining doesn’t make electricity come back on. 😊
Always wanted a “mother’s ring” with birthst Always wanted a “mother’s ring” with birthstones of our children but we never found a design with 12 stones. 💍 It was a forgotten wish until I received this bracelet as a sweet gift. I can rattle off their birthdates like a boss but sometimes the size of our family still surprises me. It grew one baby at a time and I grew along with them, like all mothers do. There’s no rewind button, and we can’t go back and have a do-over. But we can be grateful during EVERY season for what we have, and I am!❤️
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” Not “they that complaineth much” or “they that talk about their issues all day long.” I’m guessing that “not waiting” means sucking the life out of strength instead of renewing it. But waiting can begin in this very moment. 
•
(pic from my kitchen window)😊
Sometimes it’s a struggle getting started on a t Sometimes it’s a struggle getting started on a task, but we all love how it feels when the task is done. Maybe it would help to think about how good the result will feel before we start!
Yeah, I had to run to the store to get eggs before Yeah, I had to run to the store to get eggs before 14yo could mix up cookie dough. 
👉🏻Note to self:
Don’t wait until it’s time to do a task to check whether you have what you need to do it. Realizing you’re short on supplies or information at the last minute costs time and causes stress! Knowing that you’re prepared eases the pain of getting started. Put “check for ingredients” on your to-do list!
How much life do we waste worrying and fretting an How much life do we waste worrying and fretting and dreading....when the thing we’re upset about IS GOING TO GET DONE?! It’s going to happen, it’s all going to work out, and we probably won’t even remember it by next week. Sometimes it helps to remember that!💕
We bought a house built in the 80’s and have bee We bought a house built in the 80’s and have been doing that fixer upper thing. Sorry for the blurry “before” but just think “black hole” and you’ll get the idea.😂 Amazing what paint and decor can do for a space. Sold the old mantel on FB Marketplace for $60 and bought the unfinished new one for $45. Found the print in my garage, lol. Mirror from Hobby Lobby. Sorta reminds me of my life pre-Jesus. Dark to light. Old to new. Same basic human, transformed with light and love.❤️
Follow on Instagram

More From the Blog

  • Yummy Coffee Slush Recipe
  • Perspective for Moms: The Last Time
  • How to Have a Good Day

Looking For Something?

valuethislife

valuethislife
Have you ever procrastinated about doing something Have you ever procrastinated about doing something, with thoughts of dread and overwhelm?😬And then done the thing,  finding that it was easier and faster to get done than you thought it would be?🥴Yeah, me too. Note to self: The dreading and putting off costs a whole lot more emotional energy than just doing the thing. 😊
In our busy ordinary lives there is a tendency to In our busy ordinary lives there is a tendency to get by with the barebones of running the household—but we skip the joy, comfort and encouragement part.   We trade an artful arrangement of beautiful things on the coffee table for a stack of newspapers and mail. The TV takes the place of a board game. Irritation with our family flavors our speech.   Sometimes this happens so slowly that we barely notice it, and then one day we realize that our home life is out of sorts.  With that realization comes the choice to fix those little things. Tidy up the clutter, get the laundry caught up, read aloud to children, and set a pretty table for an ordinary supper.  Look around your home with fresh eyes to see if it needs a reset. Even 20 minutes of tidying can make an amazing difference.❤️
Unexpected October ice storm in Oklahoma. Power ha Unexpected October ice storm in Oklahoma. Power has been out for 2+ days, grateful for a generator and hot water. I figured out that complaining doesn’t make electricity come back on. 😊
Always wanted a “mother’s ring” with birthst Always wanted a “mother’s ring” with birthstones of our children but we never found a design with 12 stones. 💍 It was a forgotten wish until I received this bracelet as a sweet gift. I can rattle off their birthdates like a boss but sometimes the size of our family still surprises me. It grew one baby at a time and I grew along with them, like all mothers do. There’s no rewind button, and we can’t go back and have a do-over. But we can be grateful during EVERY season for what we have, and I am!❤️
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” Not “they that complaineth much” or “they that talk about their issues all day long.” I’m guessing that “not waiting” means sucking the life out of strength instead of renewing it. But waiting can begin in this very moment. 
•
(pic from my kitchen window)😊
Sometimes it’s a struggle getting started on a t Sometimes it’s a struggle getting started on a task, but we all love how it feels when the task is done. Maybe it would help to think about how good the result will feel before we start!
Yeah, I had to run to the store to get eggs before Yeah, I had to run to the store to get eggs before 14yo could mix up cookie dough. 
👉🏻Note to self:
Don’t wait until it’s time to do a task to check whether you have what you need to do it. Realizing you’re short on supplies or information at the last minute costs time and causes stress! Knowing that you’re prepared eases the pain of getting started. Put “check for ingredients” on your to-do list!
How much life do we waste worrying and fretting an How much life do we waste worrying and fretting and dreading....when the thing we’re upset about IS GOING TO GET DONE?! It’s going to happen, it’s all going to work out, and we probably won’t even remember it by next week. Sometimes it helps to remember that!💕
We bought a house built in the 80’s and have bee We bought a house built in the 80’s and have been doing that fixer upper thing. Sorry for the blurry “before” but just think “black hole” and you’ll get the idea.😂 Amazing what paint and decor can do for a space. Sold the old mantel on FB Marketplace for $60 and bought the unfinished new one for $45. Found the print in my garage, lol. Mirror from Hobby Lobby. Sorta reminds me of my life pre-Jesus. Dark to light. Old to new. Same basic human, transformed with light and love.❤️
Follow on Instagram
Value This Life
Value This Life | Charlotte Siems © 2021