Are you really doing what you want with your life?

Even grandmas my age have regrets. In fact recently I’ve spoken to my friends and most of them would have changed several things if they could go back in their lives. 

Would you have to quit your job? Move out of your neighborhood? Go to school, or retire. There are many things that have a profound impact on your happiness even when you’re old. Often it’s overwhelming when I think about what I would really like to be doing. Yes me, I’m far from where I’d planned to be at this time in my life, and frankly my time is short-lived. So I’ve read some books and been seriously thinking about what I need to do to change my course. Asking myself what is really important to me right here and now. And I’m surprised at my answers.

Even more intense, will I have the courage to make the change. You read books, watch talk shows which give advice and experience and are suppose to help you move forward. As I mentioned in other articles, there are no reruns in this world. You get one chance and that’s it. So with all this in mind…I’m thinking. What’s my next move? Will I be making a transformation which ultimately will make me happier?

Dorothy

9 Responses to “How’s your life doing?”

1. Kathy G on July 5th, 2008 at 11:54 pm

   I regret not taking my writing seriously much younger. I never thought I could make a living at it and that seemed much more important to me than following my passion. Well now I’ve decided to do both! Make a living *and* follow my passion. It’s harder now but I think that I have much more to write about.

2. Kathy on July 6th, 2008 at 7:52 pm

   The thing I regret most is not getting a college education. Being in my early 60s now, I feel that it’s too late to go back to school.
   But am thinking that I can always take classes if I want.  I also feel that the experiences I’ve gained in life are an education in themselves.

3. Robin on July 6th, 2008 at 7:59 pm

   I am following my “dream” right now!!! I just quit a tenured teaching position to pursue a career in federal law enforcement, of which I have no experience. Even if this ends up not being the career for me, at least I will not have the regret of not trying!! I’m nervous, scared, anxious, and excited…but most important have the support of my husband and family. I’m trying to learn from people who have gone through life, and learn how to not have regrets, while trying to be “smart” about it.
   love you Dorth!!
   Robin

4. Nana Connie on July 6th, 2008 at 9:44 pm

   I think I am about to pass up an opportunity to take a job I have always dreamed about.

   The hours are not going to work with my grandson who is coming in two months. If I take the job I will not be available to take care of him a few morinings a week. If I take the job I won’t have time to pick up Kenz a few days a week. My grandchildren or a full time job? will the job be there for me next year? This has been my dilema the past few days. Thanks Gram for sharing your heart … I wish you every success in your new undertaking.

   Nana Connie

5. grammolo on July 7th, 2008 at 11:43 am

   Ladies, I’m tearing as I read your responses. You’ve helped me know I should write my next thoughts. It is so helpful to know I’m not alone feeling all this anguish. I tend to believe we help each other as we choose our destinies.

   Thank you so much, I’ll be writing more as grandma out there floundering still..

   Robin..you go girl.

   Nana Connie yours is like mine, and there is no easy answer..good luck.

   Kathy, it’s never too late, there are classes you can take on line which will give you more tools to follow your dreams here..

   Kathy G I hope we get to read about your thoughts..lets keep each other up to date..

   Thanks so much again…

   Dorothy

6. Granny Annie on July 9th, 2008 at 12:55 am

   Happiness is retirement in the country with my spouse, peace and quiet, chickens, cats and dogs. Convincing my city family and friends is the hard part:-)

7. Jerry on July 9th, 2008 at 11:31 pm

   What would I do different? I’d spend more time with my children…My youngest just moved 1800 miles away and it feels like 18 million. I especially regret the time that I didn’t spend with him as I was always too busy working to do all of the things I wanted to with him. The last year he played football, I didn’t get to attend any of his games as I was working 1000 miles away from home but I’d watch the taped games on the weekend but it just wasn’t the same.

   I’m glad you are done with chemo treatments, Dorothy, as that is a major obstacle behind you.

   Take care,
   Jerry

8. grammolo on July 10th, 2008 at 12:22 pm

   Jerry, when I read your comment I cried… I so know the feeling of what if I’d had more time. I’m so sorry for what I didn’t do and can’t recover. Thank you from my heart to yours for sharing and helping me see deep within my heart for some of the things that are hurting me..

   Dorothy

9. grammolo on July 10th, 2008 at 12:25 pm

   Grannie Annie, yes it is sometimes hard to explain to others what makes you happy. And I’m thinking I’m only going to convince myself as to what makes me smile. And then I read somewhere that when I’m happy, I’ll be nicer to be around. I hope, because some days I’m so grumpy I don’t want to be around me…

   thanks for sharing….all this helps me put the pieces together…I feel like this is my life journal and I’m not liking all my thoughts however I’m committed to sharing and hoping it helps us all….
   Dorothy

Of course, we know that’s not possible; so forward you proceed. However, is there something you can do to make your life what you dreamed it would be?