Good morning, friends!
Today’s post is kind of random, but the other day, I was thinking to myself about how some things I just never regret.
You know, these are little things that I do each day/often that I *might* be tempted to skip, but when I don’t skip them and actually do them, I never think to myself “gosh, I should have just skipped that”.
Make sense?
I was kind of making a little list in my head and then thought, why not just make it a blog post? These are (as you are about to read) little things. This is not the list for “BIG REGRETS” (that’s an entirely different topic). I just thought that maybe if I shared mine and you shared yours, we could see more of what we have in common or perhaps inspire each other a bit.
Sound like a plan?
We’re keeping it light. These are just things that I could be tempted not to do, but then after I do them, I never regret it.
In no particular order whatsoever, here is the little list I came up with…
1: WAKING UP EARLY.
Even for me, a so called “early bird”, it is often very tempting to hit snooze or sleep in. Very tempting. Any time I think I should do that (when I know I’ve had adequate rest), I think to myself “will I regret this if I don’t get up now and get my day started?”. The answer is always yes. The extra few minutes of sleep are never worth it to me.
2: GOING TO BED EARLY.
I have never in my life gone to bed early and the next morning thought to myself “gee, I wish I would have stayed up later and gotten less sleep”.
3: CALLING MY MOM, DAD OR GRANDMOTHER.
You know how it is, some days I’m busy and balancing a million balls in the air, and I’m tired of being on the phone (I’ve talked to people at work all day on the phone), so it’s tempting just to be quiet and still and not make that phone call. I’ve never hung up though from a call with my parents or grandmother and thought “Geez, I wish I wouldn’t have called them”. Life is short. I’m grateful for the calls.
4: DRINKING THAT WATER.
Other than the fact that I have to potty more frequently, I just don’t ever think to myself how I wish I were more thirsty 😉 .
5: MEETING THAT FRIEND FOR COFFEE OR LUNCH.
I have busy, busy work days that are super, super structured. I pack a lot into a small amount of time, so it’s very easy for me to turn down coffee or lunch with friends because my plate is so full, but you guys, I never, ever regret it. I leave every encounter more energized, happy and ready to tackle my day. It’s always so life giving and encouraging.
6: STOPPING WHAT I’M DOING TO TALK/SNUGGLE/CHAT WITH MY KIDDOS.
It’s easy for me to get laser focused and be so “busy” that I miss little moments with my four kiddos. For me, it’s tempting to say “just a minute” as I finish what I’m doing, but I NEVER regret stopping and really being in the moment with them. Never. Ever.
7: WORKING OUT.
It’s cold. It’s hot. I’m tired. I’m sore. I just don’t have the time. I don’t have the energy. I don’t want to wake up early. The excuses are plenty. These are all things that sometimes go through my head, but I’ve never worked out and then thought “I wish I would have skipped that”. Never.
8: WALKING MY DOGS.
I love my three dogs but sometimes, they can be too hyper/crazy/excited and the clock says my day needs to get started so taking the time to take them out seems like something I can skip…but I never regret it! They are so excited, and I always feel better. Inevitably, after that walk, there are enough minutes left in my day too. No regrets with the pups.
9: SENDING THAT CARD.
I would love to send old-fashioned cards in the mail all the time, but really, who has the time? I think about it all the time, but when I actually stop what I’m doing (stop being lazy!) and actually send that person the card, I never regret it.
10: GOING TO THAT FUNERAL.
Who enjoys going to a funeral? No one. My dad, who has been to and been a part of hundreds as a minister, has always told me “people always remember who shows up at a funeral”. And it’s true. It’s tempting not to go (especially if it’s someone not close to you), but I’ve never left and regretted it. I think it’s important for people to see you show up.
11: EATING THAT NUTRITIOUS MEAL.
Listen, I’m a huge fan of moderation, but if I’m being honest, I never ever regret a meal that fills me up with good stuff…but I often regret (as I feel bloated, overly full and gross) a meal that was filled with greasy fried things.
12: NOT LOOKING AT MY PHONE.
I have never one time regretted not sitting and scrolling aimlessly on my phone, but boy, I have often regretted time I’ve wasted doing just that.
13: TAKING A SHOWER.
Some days working from home, it’s easy for me to just keep working in my dirty workout clothes from that morning to “save time”, but I can honestly say, I’ve never regretted stopping and taking the 15 minutes to shower and change into fresh clothes. Speaking of which…
14: WASHING MY HAIR.
I know, I know, I know, I sometimes like to see how long I can make dry shampoo work too, but that next day when I’m getting ready, I never regret having clean hair but often regret the mess of a bird’s nest I have on my head with all of that dirty hair caked in dry shampoo. I’ve never regretted my clean hair.
15: LEAVING EARLY.
This is something I struggle with often. I’ll have 5 extra minutes before church but instead of getting in the car and arriving 5 minutes early, I’ll do one chore and then bam, I’m 10 minutes late. Every. Single. Time. I never regretted arriving early, but always regret doing that one last thing that made me late.
16: PUTTING MY BOOK IN MY BAG.
I’ve pulled my Kindle out of my bag in the weirdest places. I’ve never regretted not having a book with me, but have many, many times regretted being somewhere without one.
17: MAKING MY BED.
Not one time have I regretted walking into my room to a bed that’s made.
18: GETTING DRESSED FOR THE DAY.
Similar to #13, as tempting as it is, I’ve never regretted getting ready for the day and putting on actual clothes.
19: WEARING PERFUME.
It’s an easy step to skip, but I have never regretted not adding a spritz.
20: SLOWING DOWN.
I like to get a lot accomplished, but I’ve never regretted stopping, slowing down and savoring life a bit more.
You guys, I could have gone on and on all day!
Now, it’s your turn! I would LOVE to read in the comment section little things you never regret.
Thank you in advance!
Have the best, best Monday! xx
Dana P says
Such a good list! My first immediate thought was working out. Also:
-whitening my teeth
-applying sunless tanner
-brushing my teeth first thing when I wake up
-filling my big water cup with ice and water for the day
-painting my nails
-fixing my girls’ hair before we go somewhere
-reading to my kids
-taking my vitamins
This is making me realize how many things I try to procrastinate, but they really are worth the effort!
Mix and Match Mama says
This is such a good list!!
Linda Clinton says
Having a quiet time.
Sending my husband a flirty text.
Taking my grown kids, phone calls
Paula says
I love your listà I think I will tag it as a reminder for myself.
I will add
Doing my quiet time first.
Turning the TV off.
Taking 5 minutes to clean my car out.
Elizabeth says
I LOVE this! I also love that you have funeral on the list. My mom instilled in me at a VERY early age to show up for your people at ALL times and whenever possible. She’s been through some things and doesn’t follow through as much these days but I do whenever I can!
Jess says
Taking a trip. Short/long. Small getaway with my husband or girlfriends. A week away with my kids. Doesn’t matter. Does everything always go smoothly? No! Do we always stay within a budget? No! But I have never looked back and said we should have skipped that. Always a memory made. Or a life lesson, should something have not been perfect 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
I second this one!
Dawn Timmons says
Agreed! I have a sign at home that says, “Travel is the only thing you will buy that makes you richer.” Take the trip. Make the memory. Love today’s post. So many great reminders to apply!
Julee says
Love that saying about travel! My budget would have said not to take the trip several times but have never once regretted it. My oldest has just left the nest and has a real job so the time for family trips is greatly diminished. So very glad I didn’t put off all the trips…you can make memories at home of course but all being together on a trip without the other distractions is the best!
Elspeth says
What a fun topic! I never regret eating healthier or getting movement in my day whether it be a walk or run or yoga. I always never regret making time for others!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Jill Kline says
Flossing my teeth.
I never want to take the extra time to floss, but I do and I never regret it, especially when I’m sitting in the dentist chair.
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!!
Alison says
Great list!! Thank you for sharing!
– Lighting a candle
– taking off my makeup before bed
– reading my daughter a bedtime story
– Prepping clothes and lunches the night before school
Liz Marshall says
I love this list! I never regret having a full (or at least half full) tank of gas in my car. You never know when you may have to run out unexpectedly or someone might be sick in the middle of the night, or get a frantic call from a friend needing help. It’s those times I’m always glad I “gassed up” 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
That is a good one!!!!
Bonnie says
Never regret meal prep or making kids’ lunches!!
Bonnie says
I mean, kids’ lunches AHEAD of time! Ha ha.
Aileen says
Love these! Here are a few of mine:
– Taking a few minutes before bed, and then the next morning before we leave for the day, to reset the kitchen and main living areas so that when we wake up/come back, things are tidy.
– Doing my full skincare routine before bed.
– Taking my vitamins.
– Reading my Bible first thing in the morning.
Kelly Marie Sites says
I never regret:
Taking my vitamins- I don’t know why this is such a thing for me- but I notice if I prep the week of supplements on Sunday in my little daily pill case- I never regret the time it takes to do that, and then take them each night.
Skin care- I’m a huge skin care person, but yet, sometimes I get lazy, but I never regret taking time to do it and properly care for my skin at night before bed. I think I sleep better too, knowing my skin is clean and slathered up.
I never regret getting up early to start my day reading my Bible and praying.
I never regret cleaning my car out before I get out of it. Stuff doesn’t pile up and my car stays tidy.
Betsy says
I’m never going to regret that a year ago I joined Weight Watchers and have lost 66 pounds (even if that meant having to buy all new everything)!
I’m never going to regret that I talk to my parents everyday and as they get older help them with whatever they need.
I’m never going to regret getting braces again as an adult and now my teeth are straight.
I’m never going to regret taking many trips with our son.
I’m never going to regret adopting our son.
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!!!!
SS says
Shay,
You have a great list. I will agree with the calling your mom, Dad Gma. I call my mom from that list. Since my Dad passed I call My Aunt, his sister. I would also call my mother in law, too after my hubby’s Dad passed. I miss those conversations with my Dad and Gram.
I will never regret turning up the music loud and dancing and singing with our kiddos. They just love to do it.
Most of tht things the kids asked us to do ..I have not regretted. 😉
I will never regret homeschooling our kiddos. There were days we all wanted to throw our hands up…but it allowed us flexibility as a family to do things not just school related.
I don’t go to a lot of funerals if I didn’t know the person well… I do try to sign the guest book, so people know their loved ones touched someone else. I can tell you after Dad passed it sure means the world to read and see what your person meant to others. Everyone plays a part in this story of life.
Last two NEVER regret taking pix and telling family & friends I love them. Your pix and words will last a lifetime when those people aren’t here.
Mix and Match Mama says
Love, love, love your heart, friend!
SS says
🤗
Tina Mahler says
I never regret meal planning and meal prep. It always saves me time during the week and I never regret having done it. I always regret when I skip it and mass confusion ensues at dinner time.
Kim says
Time for Bible reading and prayer first thing in the morning.
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!!
Kathie says
I have never regretted speaking truth to my children. Or not making promises I couldn’t keep. They had enough trauma in their lives to add that stress to them. They both knew/know that they can trust me. They are 32 and 29 now.
Mix and Match Mama says
This speaks right to my heart. They are so blessed you’re their mama!
Kathie says
We don’t tell each other that enough. Brought tears to my eyes.
Libby says
Making the house tidy before leaving for a trip.
Mix and Match Mama says
Agree!!
Melissa says
Love these! Mine is getting outside. I never regret, no matter how cold or hot it is, taking the time to get outdoors. It is so good for my soul!
Mix and Match Mama says
I agree!!!
SS says
I agree as well… although today may be tough -3 right now and windchill is around -20. Plus 12-14 inches of snow on the ground.
Jennifer Goodwin says
I think my number one thing is that even when I don’t feel like it, I never regret stopping and spending time with Jesus everyday in His word and in prayer. Some days my prayers are short and sporadic, other days they’re really dedicated and longer. There is no right or wrong way! I’ve also never regretted making time for intimacy in our marriage, no matter how inopportune a time it may be. Sorry if that’s TMI. 🤣
Anne says
Not TMI at all. Your marriage comment is very appropriate!
Kristi says
I never regret:
My quiet time
Slowing down and being present
Meal Prepping
Taking pictures even though everyone gives me a hard time about how many I take
Choosing quality time with friends and family
Taking time for self-care guilt free
Tidying the house every night before bed
Have a great day!
Lesley McFarland says
I love this list and agree 1000%. In 2023 my word was YES. Because I felt like I was saying no to things that would I regret. Dinner with friends, going to be early, going to an event. I would have regrets every time. Also, saying no to help. Just little things that I would say it’s ok I got it. Then wonder why I would not let them help…like my husband or kids. When I chose to say yes….it was almost like a relief. And I lived my best life in 2023 just by saying yes to a lot of little things. Because you really may never get that dinner or time back. So make it the best.
I’m an enneagram 7 so I love to do all the things too🙈
Laura Fredlund says
What a great post! I never regret going to church, reading to my kids, spending the money on family pictures, and spending the money on making photo albums or photo books. I never regret serving others, or just giving compliments! If you think something nice to someone, just say it.. it’ll probably brighten their entire day.
Allison says
Great list! One of my life’s mottos is “you never regret working out.” Another one is I’m tired and don’t care about the dishes at night, but I tell myself I never regret waking up to a clean kitchen sink!!
Sheaffer says
So fun reading yours and everybody else’s no regrets lists!
Kristy says
Your list is so good. I say often to my kids, you’ll never regret a run or walk outside! I would add eating at home instead of picking something up. Going on a date with my husband or a vacation with only him, it’s usually a lot of work but always worth it! And, I’m excited to read more about your wellness journey! Also, this list reminds me of Fiona Ferris who you’ve recommended and I have so enjoyed. I never regret looking for a positive light, but I do regret getting so worked up over small things.
Rachel Kazmier says
Working out at 4:30 am. I regret when I don’t! I had a former friend who would judge and criticize me for even getting exercise in on vacation.
Learn to ignore the haters. They are just jealous!
Texting my 18 year old, asking if and where he’s flying today. He’s a pilot, teaching other now while building his time. It annoys him sometimes but I know he knows it’s because I love him. Never regret asking about his flying day.
Time with my family. I love cooking Sunday dinners and never regret the clean up! Family time is precious. Parents are 76.
Saying no. Sometimes you just have to say no and no always say yes. I feel better when I do this and know it’s the right thing for ME!
Slow your roll! I have never regretted a day reading, a day just being home, and a day to myself(rare though).
Travel with just my son. Being in a second marriage I have never regretted saying, “Jack and I are going to San Diego just us. We need the long weekend, etc…” Even better in 2 years when I fly for free!
Many more but these are my core!
Darian says
Two things—hugging and kissing my husband goodbye whenever we leave for the day.
And, in our family we say, Funerals are mandatory, weddings are optional. So we do our darndest never to miss a funeral.
Kate says
The calling parents and grandparents hit hard for me! I miss my grandparents dearly and my dad is starting to struggle with some memory issues. I call my mama every day. I will never regret time with my parents and my grandparents!!
SS says
Kate… BIG HUGS to you!! My dad passed 2 yrs ago in a couple weeks..
I never regretted my time with all of my gparents either and my Dad.
Susan S says
I always say that I may not have really had the money to take that trip, but I am so glad we did all the things and trips with our kids to make memories that will last a lifetime and created the closeness of the 4 of us. This is the biggest for me.
Rebecca Lingerfelt-Brown says
Coming from the Grandmommy side of things meaning I’ve lived a little bit more than most of your readers, the first and foremost “I will never regret…” is telling my loved ones Love you at the end of every call/text. This sustained me when my husband died suddenly in his sleep, I knew we had both done this and there was no question or regret.😉💜
Penny Jones says
I’ve never regretted-
My time in The Word.
My commitment to a Bible Study group.
Truly listening to a wise friend (even if I think I will disagree).
Asking my parents a question about themselves.
….. nope. Never once.
Susan Fitzpatrick says
I never regret wearing sunscreen. It’s definitely one thing I regret not doing in the past and it shows on my neck and hands.
Mix and Match Mama says
Great one!!
K.K. says
Your list and the ones here are so full of good ones!
I never regret having a light blanket, sweater, or jacket in the car… Even in summer, some restaurants are chilly in TX!!
Heather Forcey says
I never regret meal prepping for the week on Sunday, going to church, working out, skincare at night, polishing my nails, or putting my clean clothes away. I don’t always do all of these things, but gosh it feels good when I do. Fun topic!
Kristine G says
Such a good list! I second the funeral one. After my own mom’s funeral, it really meant a lot to me that people took the time out of their busy lives to attend. So I now make a special effort to go because I personally know the impact it has.
Toni :0) says
Always flossing my teeth before bed no matter what. Brushing my teeth twice a day too.
Making my bed every morning. Have done this my entire life and I’m old LOL.
Doing my entire routine to get ready each morning. I don’t miss a beat.
Taking all my medications, vitamins and supplements each morning.
Clean sink free of dishes each night.
Clean the bathrooms frequently.
Seeing my mom in the nursing home as often as I can.
Faith says
I love this list! You inspire me to get my life together! I’m curious what time do you go to bed?
I never regret washing my face in the morning and night! Feels so good to have clean fresh skin!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have been trying to get to bed by 9:30 each night.
JULIE HICKS says
I totally related to many of yours (who goes someplace without their Kindle?) but my biggest non-regret is retiring as early as I could (age 62) to be more present for my grandkids. The time with them – whether measured in days or weeks or a ride home from practice – is worth more than any paycheck could ever be!
Kay says
I LOVE! this post. And might I add, it motivated me right now, as I sit here in my robe not wanting to take my dog for her walk in the snowy New England freeze.
I would add:
-Walking outside with a friend. (I am not blessed with outdoor-loving genes, so getting outside is a hurdle for me. But this month I met my bestie for a long outside walk and had the BEST time ever).
-Getting new tech. I’m always, always afraid to start over with a new Apple laptop, watch, whatever. But I’m always SO glad I did. I just replaced my 2015 laptop and it was EASY and now every day life will be so much better with a faster working laptop.
-Not finishing a book or movie I don’t like. I used to be afraid to do this, but I’ve never once looked back at something I didn’t finish and felt bad. I just felt glad I read or watched something I LOVED instead!
Enjoy the rest of the week!
Beth Valenta says
This is such a great one. I never regret: staying home and cooking meals, having friends over, walking outside each day, one on one time with my daugher, taking advantage of quiet time with a candle, and sending cards out. I do this weekly. Dollar Store has 50 cent cards that are so cute and a card just means so much in the mail. I just prayed over each of my Christmas cards that were sent and love that people are still sending.
Constance says
I have to be honest!!! I am prob older than many of your readers but I will NEVER regret reading you r blogposts every single day for many many years now!!! ( I started reading when you were in the rental house and your babies were babies haha… ) We have never met but I feel like you are family. I am about 20years older than you but have loved hearing about how you juggle your life with your beautiful family. I am a grandma now but you really were a bright spot when I was going through empty nest and adjusting to my new normal. You continue to be an inspiration to me. I love everything about your blog…the recipes, the book recommendations, the tips on travel and packing, your faith sharing…all of it!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your life with all of us…you have made a difference to so many of your readers.XXOO
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, well, you are TOO SWEET! What a lovely thing to say! Thank you so much. Sending you so much love! xx
Patty says
No regrets…
Ending phone calls with my adult kids with “love you, bye!”
Meeting my cousin and her husband for twice yearly bike trips around the country. As we say goodbye from the first one we already have a date set for the next trip.
Always having our next cruise on the books just after completing a cruise.
Answering every single phone call, Marco, FaceTime, etc with my adult kids. I’m never too busy for them!
Hugs with my husband whenever we pass each other during the day in the house.
Going to church even when it’s minus 22 degrees, as it was yesterday.
Suiting up and going for a long bike ride even when I have a million other things to do.
Calling my Mama who lives far away and reminding her to “stay vertical” since she’s 92 and only one fall away from being in assisted living. Makes her laugh every single time, but it’s also a good reminder to be careful. I’m blessed to still have her!
Lynn T says
I resonated with your work out one for sure…I never regret getting up early or making the time to get up and get it done. But as a teacher I never regret getting ready for Monday on Friday. As much as I want to leave on Friday afternoon, if I take the time to get my plan set for Monday I never regret it.
Stay warm,
Vicki says
I never regret going to every single performance of musical theatre that my teen granddaughter is in. Seeing five straight shows gets the songs in your head for weeks, but it’s worth it to see her and her friends shine on stage.
Mary says
I think the funeral one is so good. Sometimes my husband wonders why I go to funerals for my mom’s friends or for family of friends I may not know super well, but the families are always grateful. At the end of the day they just need presence and our prayers. ❤️🙏
Courtney C. says
-Washing my face and brushing my teeth before bed. No matter HOW tired I am.
-Working out. Even if I’m short on time, I’ll go for 15 or 20 minutes on the tread instead of my usual 30-40.
-10 minutes of morning meditation. First thing I do out of bed and keeps me (mostly) sane in my crazy stressful job.
-Actually putting away the laundry.
Bailey Morris says
Love this. Have never thought about the phone one, but literally added “I have never one time regretted not sitting and scrolling aimlessly on my phone” to my notes app to remind myself!
1. Never regret walking my dog.
2. Never regret going to yoga.
3. Never regret taking a nap. It’s insane how much better I feel after a 15 min power nap.
4. Never regret making a memory. Whenever the choice is “stay home and be cozy or make effort to go out and do something new,” all of my memories are when I do the hard thing.
5. Never regret travel. Solo trips, with family, with my boyfriend –– something about taking time to see other parts of the world resets your whole mind and puts life in perspective.
6. Never regret (ew) cleaning out the cat box and getting that shhhhh behind me!
Leslie S says
I tend to get busy taking care of everyone else and forget to take care of me – making and keeping all the appointments are hard but I’ve never regretted:
– dental appointment/cleaning every 6 mos
– yearly skin check
– yearly mammogram
– yearly physical/labs
– counseling appointments when needed
– getting my car washed