IF I could be 6 years old again, I would let my little brother have the chocolate cupcake with extra sprinkles — without asking for anything in return.

... If I could be 7 years old again, I would wear the dress my mother laid out for me without throwing a tantrum because I didn't like it.

... If I could be 8 years old again, I would stand beside the shy, timid girl who was being ostracized by the rest of our classmates and proudly announce that she was my friend.

... If I could be 10 years old again, I would behave in school like a model pupil, rather than dream up cunning pranks to make my teacher's life miserable.

... If I could be 12 years old again, I would make sure to daven every Sunday morning instead of frittering away time until chatzos had passed.

... If I could be 13 years old again, I would control myself from blurting to all my friends the juicy news that Adina's parents were getting divorced.

... If I could be 14 years old again, I would notice the lonely newcomer in sleep-away camp and try to make her feel welcome.

... If I could be 15 years old again, I would spend less time on the telephone and more time lending a hand to my older sister blessed with a houseful of little children.

... If I could be 16 years old again, I would pay more attention to painstakingly prepared lessons, instead of trying to figure out another way to cut class.

... If I could be 17 years old again, I would sincerely congratulate my friend for being elected as valedictorian, even though I thought the honor should have gone to someone else.

... If I could be 19 years old again, I would notice the elderly lady down my block walking home loaded with packages, and cheerfully walk her home.

... If I could be 20 years old again, I would arrive at work at 9:00 promptly every day, or maybe even 5 minutes early.

... If I could be 22 years old again, I would make more of an effort to please my new husband, and expend less energy making sure that I was pleased with him.

... If I could be 24 years old again, I would make more phone calls to try to set up dates for my single friends.

... If I could be 26 years old again, I wouldn’t yell at my toddlers when they dump out the contents of the toy box, yet again.

... If I could be 28 years old again, I would be sure to prepare for Shabbos on Thursday, and never leave all the cooking to the last minute.

... If I could be 29 years old again, I would focus more on making sure all my kids were wearing smiles on their faces and less on their matching outfits.

... If I could be 31 years old again, I would host sheva brachos for my sister-in-law with a smile, rather than moaning about it to anyone who would listen.

... If I could be 33 years old again, I would start cleaning for Pesach right after Purim and turn the kitchen over on Rosh Chodesh Nissan, rather than start cooking at 2:00 a.m. after bedikas chametz.

... If I could be 34 years old again, I would spend winter evenings playing games with my kids instead of trying to get them to bed early so that I could curl up with a good book.

... If I could be 36 years old again, I would remember to call Great Aunt Basha at least once a week, instead of gasping with a guilty start when meeting her at simchas.

... If I could be 37 years old again, I would worry less about the theme for my son's bar mitzvah kiddush, and more about finding healthy outlets for him during his free time.

... If I could be 38 years old again, I wouldn't dream of putting subtle pressure on my son to attend the more prestigious high school, as opposed to the one where he’d feel more comfortable.

... If I could be 39 years old again, I would value each day for what it offers, rather than groan that I was getting old.

.... If I could be 42 years old again, I would try to lend an ear — or a hand — to my younger neighbor struggling to cope with her active toddlers, rather than assume that that she was immature and rather incapable.

... If I could be 45 years old again, I would try to give a more enthusiastic job referral for my friend's daughter — the one who was mean to my daughter in fifth grade.

... If I could be 48 years old again, I would rejoice wholeheartedly at my nephew's wedding, even though my 23 year old daughter hadn't gone on a date in months.

... If I could be 51 years old again, I would refrain from reminding my husband, yet again, how much money it costs to make a wedding, knowing that he’s doing all he can, — and then some — to meet his obligations.

... If I could be 54 years old again, I would make sure to have my grandchildren's artwork displayed prominently on the refrigerator before they came to visit, instead of waiting for them to ask me if I liked what they made.

... If I could be 59 years old again, I would make more of an effort not to let the bathroom faucet leak, because I know that the dripping irritates my husband.

... If I could be 62 years old again, I would remember to call my daughter on her birthday, and tell her how precious she is to me.

... If I could be 64 years old again, I would invite my hard working niece for Shabbos HaGadol, since we'll be going away for Pesach.

... If I could be 67 years old again, I would make a point of letting my daughter-in-law know that I think she's doing a great job raising her kids.

…Now I am only 69 years young.  Today I can choose to be the person I want to be; the person who will be so selfless, cheerful, and reliable that I'll have no regrets when looking back.  It’s the challenge — and the opportunity — of a lifetime.

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 308)