What I Will Never Regret
A list of 10 things
While on a walk with my husband the other day, I commented how I sometimes (okay, more often than that đ) Iâm less than thrilled to exercise. However, after I do, I am always pleased I followed through and made movement a priority. I never tell myself, âWhat was a waste of time!â That observation inspired me to make a list of other things I never regret. What Iâm sharing here isnât about huge regrets, but about small things I find worthwhile.
10 Things I Will Never Regret
This list is in no particular order đ
1. Putting My Marriage First
After my relationship with Jesus, no one is more important to me than my husband. We check with each other before making commitments and always discuss big decisions. I never regret our dates, vacations, or time together. We focus on staying connected.
2. Spending Time with My Kids & Their Spouses
My kids are all adults, so spending time with them takes planning. Two of the three live out of state, so getting together takes coordination and involves travel. Our son lives nearby, so we see him and his wife often, but even then, we put get-togethers on our calendars. Itâs not always easy and sometimes not the most convenient, but itâs worth it every single time! Family is extremely important to me, so spending time with the six of them (my three plus their spouses) brings me so much joy.
3. Making Time for Friends
Life can get busy, and there doesnât seem to be enough time for everything, but one area I make space for on my calendar is get-togethers with friends. My friendships are dear to me, so I find ways to connect with them. Sometimes it looks like going for a walk, and other times, a phone call. I enjoy catching up over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, meeting for a meal, or hanging out at my home. I never regret making time for friends.
4. Drinking Water
I fill my large tumbler with ice and water every morning. My goal is to drink all that water by lunchtime, and then refill it again once or twice and drink it by bedtime. My skin thanks me, and I feel better overall when Iâve drunk at least 64 ounces of water a day. I never regret being hydrated.
5. Meal Planning
Even though we are now empty nesters, I continue to plan our meals for the week. I began meal planning years ago when I was teaching full-time and my children were small. After many, many nights of having zero energy or brain capacity to figure out what to make for dinner, I realized I needed to come up with a plan. So, every Sunday, I look at my calendar to see what we have going on for the week, and I make a menu. Meal planning ensures we have a healthy, balanced meal and do not eat tacos three times a week or eat out all the time. đ I never regret having a weekly menu.
6. Helping Others
Finding ways to help others fills my cup. I enjoy offering support, finding answers, lending a hand, and volunteering my time. For me, helping others is an act of giving and a way to love and care for people. It builds community, strengthens relationships, and gives my life greater meaning.
7. Prioritizing My Health
As I wrote about here, my healthspan is essential. I never regret exercising (as mentioned at the beginning of this post), going to bed early, taking vitamins, seeing medical practitioners regularly, flossing, or eating well. I try to stay on top of my lifestyle habits and live my best life. I avoid burning the candle at both ends and have learned to say ânoâ to protect my health.
8. Tidying My House Before Traveling
Often, before a trip, I have a million things to do, and tidying is one of them. I love returning to a sparkling home, having freshly laundered sheets on the bed, and a clean kitchen. Thereâs nothing worse than opening your fridge after vacation to discover rotten food. Yuck.
9. Washing My Face Nightly
I have a solid skincare routine, and after dinner, I remove my makeup and properly take care of my skin before bedtime. I had plenty of days when I was younger that I went to bed without taking off my makeup/washing my face due to being tired or lazy, but my skin always felt gross the following morning. I love waking up with a clean, moisturized face. I never regret taking great care of my skin.
10. Saying âI love youâ
I will never regret telling my husband, family, and friends that I love them. My husband and I say it anytime one of us leaves the house or at the end of a phone call. My kids heard âI love youâ constantly when they were growing up, and I still tell them (and their spouses) often. Iâm not afraid or embarrassed to say it to my friends, so they hear it, too. I want the people I love to know it. â¤ď¸
âThe bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.â â Harriet Beecher Stowe
How about you? What are things youâll never regret?
Thanks for reading and hitting the â¤ď¸ at the bottom of my posts. This helps others find Everyday Natalie đ¸ I appreciate you!
Hi Natalie!
What a great list! I can tell you this, as your friend I definitely feel important to you. Watching you with Tony and the rest of your family is always a great reminder to be present and participatory with mine.
What I will never regret:
Being vulnerable with family and friends. Laughter even when it's maybe a little inappropriate. Hosting dinner parties. Reading and watching whatever I want. Living authentically. Being kind to someone who I don't know. Saying hello and leading with my heart, more than my head. Travel. And finally, having pets. Thanks for sharing and reminding us all to be grateful because we have so much to be grateful for.
Hi Natalie, what a beautiful list! I agree with you but I need to get better about meal prep (and meal variety!). I'd say I will never regret adopting my cats -- even when they are doing their wildest morning meowing or throwing jigsaw puzzle pieces to the floor, they bring us so much joy! đť