My friend Ed and I were discussing regrets over not being more attentive to friends who are no longer here. He felt sad over an actor he knew he hadn’t stayed in touch with, who died.
It reminded me of when my friend Connie passed away, feeling very much the same. Why wasn’t I more thoughtful towards her when over the years, she was so generous and good to me?
Though it was too late to make it up to her, I swore it wouldn’t happen again, so when my friend Liz got sick, I was very much present.
You just do better the next time, in their memory, that’s what I know.
Don’t knock on doors that won’t open. Find one that will…go where you’re wanted, appear where you’ll be appreciated.
Stop a second to help another even if it’s just crossing the street. Be the change, to quote Mr. Gandhi, you’d like to see.
I also know you should remember the fallen of September 11th, since, it’s the very least we can do. To say a prayer, now and then, on behalf of their lives so randomly taken.
Be aware of all the good rather than what’s imperfect, accepting the things, like getting older, you cannot change.
Savor love, however it comes, even if it’s just the mailman saying, you look pretty today.
Recycle, including your pain. Take your broken heart and turn it into art, said Carrie Fisher.
Never say no to pie.
And lastly, if things aren’t going the way you’d like after doing all you can do, find a little nook, nestle in, and read.
If work is slow, or you’re feeling a little down or lonely, read.
And if you just want to be good to yourself, enjoying the life you have on any given day, go back to that little nook, nestle in, and read. 
A few things I know.
Susannah
Susannah, I’d say you know quite a bit. I think the best we each can do is to keep trying to be a better person.
It’s fairly easy for me to look backward and torture myself over what I should have or shouldn’t have done. The harder part is remembering to do it differently next time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In 12 Step they say…try not to shoulda all over yourself. We do our best at the time I think. To quote Samuel Beckett…fail, fail again…fail better. Something like that. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very wise. Thank you for sharing the things you know. You so often lift my days with your beautiful writing and quick humor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Without my sense of humor Anne, I’d be in a straight jacket, a nice one though, I’d naturally have tailored. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
My straight jacket would have strange twists in it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You wordsmith you. Twists? Like you did last summer? Sing it Chubby. As in Checker. 🙃
LikeLike
You always have an amusing come-back!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ll have to excuse me…I’m twistin’.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely and worthwhile “To Do” list for life.
Muchas gracias thin girl. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just the tip of the iceberg Mr. Imma 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Much obliged Ms. Susannah.
LikeLike
You’re such a gent, at least on the page. 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s some mighty perty words you’re fixin up there.
LikeLike
Just a coupla’ white chicks, sittin’ around cyberly talkin’. 🙄
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not just on the page 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just reread this. You clearly have the inside track on Mr. Imma, that enigma of a may’en, as they’d say down south. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’ve had owah sheah o’ exchanges… I kin only say ah knows this heah enigma of a may’en a lil bit 😉
Funny you should write à la southern as my last writing was written with that there accent! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I applaud you for writing in one. I find that challenging.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let’s just say I didn’t go overboard 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes but you still jumped in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did. I occasionally challenge myself in ways that make me scratch my own head!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And what’s the matter with that? A girl’s gotta grow ya know. 😮
LikeLiked by 1 person
Abso-friggen-lutely! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was very Laverne Dafasio.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Laverne!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wise words indeed. I’m bloody hopeless at this stuff. Need to do better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just the fact that you acknowledge that makes you nowhere near hopeless there Matey. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can only play the “it’s the thought that counts” card for so long. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah but, that’s a great card…the ace of love and thoughtfulness…:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
LikeLike
You’re so funny.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just reading the first few lines brought Mimi to mind.
You’re always so open. Like a book ready to be read.
Lovely thoughts,Susanna. You’re writing inspires.
Isadora😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love when you write. Yes memories of Mimi so linger. Her welcome mat is still in place across the hall. My heart leaps each time I see it. Hope all is well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the complimentary words. Sweet as always … and … wearing your BIG HEART!!! 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thump Thump ❤️
LikeLike
An excellent list. I try my best to live my life as you’ve shared. Whatever I can do to share what I know is worthwhile. Smiling all the while. I feel it’s a good thing all around.
LikeLike
Agreed. Thanks.
LikeLike
Does this one ever hit home. There are a few that I wish I could have been there for them…even the ones who didn’t want anyone. Especially the ones who didn’t want anyone around them.
Maya Angelou said it best: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Which is what we all can do.
Beautifully penned, Ms Susannah.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never heard that Maya Angelou quote. Regrets are fruitless unless they teach in their wake. I sadly learned this one the hard way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Then I am glad I sent it your way… regrets are fruitless – as they can’t change anything already done. But yes. You definitely can and hopefully do learn in their wake. I, too, learned the hard way…
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s what life’s all about when you think about it…trial and error. sigh.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That it is.
Sigh… but also smiles…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Smiles should be mandatory. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wish I had some pie so I could curl up with it and a good book. 😋
Lovely thoughts and good words to live by. You always inspire me, you sweet thing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pie…sigh. It’s one of my favorite earthly delights. Key Lime, lemon meringue and banana cream are my favorites with apple, peach and cherry bringing up the rear, or should I say, expanding it. 🤔
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m right with you on the first two, then pumpkin and blackberry!
LikeLike
Adding them to my list. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
The world has become so fractious ( guilty at times ) I try Leaving others better than I find them . People can disappoint, even friends can let you down at times . I have my own private places where I can go , prayer, scriptures . I recognize my own shortcomings , but as Sinatra sang I pick myself up and get back in the race . A hot bowl of Pastina always helps me too !
LikeLiked by 1 person
You still eat Pastina. Wow. They should issue you stock. 🙂
LikeLike
A comfort food for me . Brings me way back to a simpler time .
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicely said.
LikeLike
Great thoughts, Susannah. I like the line Recycle your pain. That’s what writers have to do since all experiences are grist for the creative mill. As I say, the worse or crazier a situation is, the better story it will make.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That lovely sentiment comes from the late great Carrie Fisher. It always pierces my heart whenever I hear it. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
All good things and great ideas. I also have a deep-seated belief that it is all perfect, so, no matter what is transpiring, I try my very best to look at it, as it is, and say, “Thank you!” to God. It all works out.
Scott
LikeLike
I fine attitude.
LikeLiked by 1 person