[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by tainsley

I believe that everything in my past, good times and struggles, brought me to this day and made me the person I am...far from perfect but happy. Wonderful family and great friends and living here in TV...I couldnt ask for more!

Despite some bumps in the road, I totally agree.
We couldn't be who we are, if we hadn't been who we were.
The golden years are a happy time of life.

[eweissenbach]

I have pondered this question many times. Are there things I would have done differently with the perspective and wisdom of time? Certainly! Would I go back and change anything - no, because every time I think of something that I might cahnge, I realize that that change would have altered everything that has happened since. For example, I have lamented leaving a regional manager position I had, necessitating a move. I loved the job, loved where we lived and had great relationships, but some economic conditions that affected the potential of my success there were negative and not getting better. I made a quick decision, and took another opportunity with the same company in a city 250 miles away. The first month in our new home our youngest son met a girl, who six years later became his wife and has given us beautiful twin grandsons that turn four in January. Had we not moved that love affair would never have happened and our son and our entire family would be poorer for it. Every decision, every move, every action affects everything down the road so, being happy where I and my family are today, I would change nothing. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a great new year to you all.

[folkh]

Originally Posted by rubicon

That aaah moment. We can look back and with clarity recognize those choices made that shaped our lives. We clearly remember the admonitions of family friends, and experts. We also recognize that the best laid plans..............
What would I do differently? Not a darn thing. The mistakes, the regrets, the missed opportunities are natures way of reminding us that we are human, and besides for me it simply comes down to one question posed to my wife and kids
"Have I been a good man?" Their reply told me that all I did or did not do commanded their respect and appreciation validating my life and that to me is all that matters.

Congrats to you !!!!!!!

[Happydaz]

Originally Posted by Shadow8IA

Where do you do your oil painting? We will be there from Jan - March and my husband is bringing his oil paint supplies with.

I have a small studio on my lanai. The lanai is glassed in and under climate control. You can paint outside all winter. There are beautiful scenes to paint all over The Villages. A French easel would be the thing to bring so he can paint outside. Enjoy your visit!

[CFrance]

I am taking OP's question from purely a fun standpoint--what would you be if you could have been anything you wanted? I always wanted to be a violinist, but my parents wouldn't buy me a violin because they already had a piano. I think also they didn't want to put up with hearing the screeches.

So if I could be anything I wanted to be, it would be a concert violinist. Other than that, I am quite happy with my life!

[quirky3]

I would have been a little less serious and duty-bound, and learned much earlier how to enjoy each moment.

[gomoho]

I wish I would have figured out before the re-invention of myself at age 60 that selling real estate is my passion. I also would have studied landscape architecture instead of music. BUT I have had a wonderful life, husband, family and am thoroughly enjoying my senior years. Maybe next time around...

[PennBF]

Isn't it great that almost if not all loved their life and would only have done something a little different to enjoy it more. It's true. The Villages are the best and it enjoys having the best people. It's a great life.

[Didiwinbob]

Short answer - not having diabetes. Too many of my life's decisions have been based on this disease. I am blessed with the strength to endure the constant reminder but I often wonder how my life would have. Forty years without complications...

[tippyclubb]

No regrets. Went through many rough times in life as a lot of us did. With each hardship lessons were learned and new goals to achieve. It seems I've done everything right to end up in the bubble at a young age. The best is yet to come in TV and they will be the happiest years of my life.

[karostay]

Not sold my shares of Apple at $100 on the other hand bought them at $15 also they split 4 times

[tbussche]

Would not have talked myself out of buying Microsoft and Apple at their ipo's. Also talked myself out of buying Google.

[Matzy]

Life is a special journey you can't plan in details. Thinking about my life I can't say I could not change it because it was ruled from other forces, people, circumstances. Born in Germany during WW2 I remember running away from bombing, seeking shelter(s), later running away from Russians, but at the new place we were not welcomed either. Where to go, what to do?
Finally I found what I was seeking for, my deepest wish came true, found the place I could call "home" - USA. No piano playing in a small bar - just to live your life.

[Loudoll]

As a child and teenager I would help my mother a whole lot more than I did. She was a young widow with four kids.

[Shadow8IA]

Originally Posted by Didiwinbob

Short answer - not having diabetes. Too many of my life's decisions have been based on this disease. I am blessed with the strength to endure the constant reminder but I often wonder how my life would have. Forty years without complications...

My husband just got a Dexcom after being a brittle diabetic for 34 years. It has changed his life. Check into it if you haven't seen them! It monitors his blood 24/7 and beeps if he drops or goes to high. It's been amazing!!