I was talking to an old friend last night about some of the stupid things I did when I was younger. Decisions that looking back made absolutely no sense. And I came to a realization. Had I known then that this would be my life today I would have done many more stupid things, and I would have enjoyed every minute of it. So the question was raised, if you could go back in time and pick ONE stupid thing you regret not doing what would it be? And would your life be the same as it is today?

For me there was a whole list, from getting my pilot's license to skydiving, traveling the world, learning to snowboard, getting on that cruise ship.... but I know that my life would have changed drastically if I had made those choices, so it is a tough decision.

If I had to pick just one, it would be going to Ireland when my friend went back home. I was offered a cottage to stay in, a plane ticket, and a job. But I chose to stay here out of responsibility and obligation. I am not saying I regret that decision, but if I had it to do all over again, I think I would have gone if even just for the summer.

How about you guys? What's one stupid thing that you chose not to do that you wish you would have done?

The one thiing I regret more than anything in my life is not stayiing with my mom the last day of her life.
She was in the hospital, and was told 3 days before that she had terminal lung cancer-6 months at most. DH & I went to visit her that Sunday, and she couldn't even lift her head off of the pillow. I was supposed to check her out of the place that day-DH and I were going to move in with her and care for her (even though I was 6 mos. pregnant).
Anyway, she told me I didn't have to stay, that she was just going to rest. I told her we'd be at the inlaws'...that evening, the inlaws DH and I were playing cards and I kept getting the urge to go visit my mom, but I didn't listen.
The next morning I called to see how she was doing. The nurse said, "Oh, she died at 4:30 this morning." (My sister didn't bother to put my name and phone number as a contact).
To this day, I remember looking into my mom's eyes that last time...I always wondered if she knew. My sister said she went to see her that afternoon...my mom was sleeping, and my sister was quietly crying. My mom reached out to her hand and said, "Don't worry, sweetie...it won't be long now."
She didn't want to be a burden to me...and so I think she just gave up. I was 20...and I still miss her every single day.

Good question. I'm fortunate to have few regrets but I do wish I had tried snowboarding, I think I'd have been pretty good at it. Some friends and I were up north skiing and it was a new idea so they had a trailer out there full of boards & stuff for free trials. My friends didn't want to bother switching out gear, so I went along with them. I'm still mad about it!

Debbie, your post brought tears to my eyes.

I regret not letting my boys have a dog we were asked to take in years ago. The dog got a good home but I've always wished I had just said "yes" and gone with the flow. Actually, it was more me going along with their Dad saying "no" but I could have spoken up. I remember the look of disappointment in their eyes. I almost wish they had flung a fit or gotten sassy with me.....but they didn't. They just looked so disappointed.

A wealthy volunteer at my school offered me her summer house to live in while I taught the job she offered in a one room schoolhouse on Island off Maine Coast. Many writers, etc. summered or lived year round there. DH and I had jobs, family and a house in Jersey (and trying to have lives) so we didn't go. Should have, what an experience. Children and age came quickly. I did something stupid and out of character once and I'd do it again. I have MS now and am glad I did it.

Now you got me looking back fondly on the best "mistakes" I've made.

i think one of my favorite stupid things moments was when my best friend and I were driving down the road and we saw a sign that said baltimore was 150(? some odd number) miles away. So we decided to drive and see if the sign was right. Drove all the way to Baltimore, stopped and played a game of Putt Putt and grabbed a slice of pizza before heading back home. Our parents were worried sick that we had been gone all day and part of the night (this was before we had cell phones). And twice as mad when they found out we had crossed state lines without permission.

But I tell you it was an awesome day, and one we still look back and laugh about.

No regrets....never held back on doing stupid stuff..

Not going out with the guy named Robert that I worked with at a McDonald's in the early 90s. He was always asking me out, and me not being very trusting because of bad experiences that I had in school with guys making fun of me, I would never go out with him.

It wasnt until his last day at work and he was moving to Wyoming with his dad and he gave me his phone number and new address that I realized he had been serious about asking me out all that time...and then I lost the address.

and I cant remember his last name!

I've been kicking myself on that one for a looooong time now. (it's been about 18yrs) I feel really stupid that I never took that chance.

I have a regret. Cant speak it, but boy oh boy! if I could go back in time, stop down my foot, throw a hissy fit and say NO! NO! NO! I will not accept this! I would in a heart beat.

We rehash the past, and rehearsh for the future. I used to beat myself up hard for not standing up, speaking up, and just standing there, saying "what can I do?!" Being older, and wiser, I know now that i could have done alot.

Life went on. things worked out. It could have been tons better for someone else had I grown a back bone, but I didnt. So...life moved on.