“I could have spent more time with my brother, who died at the young age of 38.

I definitely took time for granted.”

The feeling that I could do anything in the world that I wanted to.

A child smiles while holding several colorful balloons, standing against a plain background. The child wears a light shirt and a dark overall dress

Every option seemed attainable; daydreaming about the life I would have one day was so fun!

I’d do anything to go back to my childhood and relive those days."

Now, I feel the effects of strenuous exercise for days, and injuries stick around."

People lounging at a campsite with tents in the background; a man plays a guitar, wearing shorts, two women in bikinis lie on the grass

Rob, 56, Pennsylvania

3.“Spontaneity.

Fewer people meant fewer crowds and fewer restrictions.

On a Friday, you could decide to go camping over the weekend and just go.

A person holds a drink in a kitchen while looking at the camera

Now, you have to plan months in advance to secure permits, campsites, and more.

You always have to plan ahead now.”

“I wish I had more photos, let alone good ones.

Man at a desk in an office, using a computer and talking on the phone. Numerous papers and office supplies are visible in the background

I wish I’d had more pictures of my rooms and places I went.”

miran32

5.

“That my family would always be there.

Woman in a floral swimsuit sunbathes on a beach chair, eyes closed, with a serene beach background

As the eldest, I expected to die first.

Instead, I lost my son to an undiagnosed illness while still in my 50s.

Nothing in life is assured, and expectations can be blown up in an instant.”

An adult and a child wearing quirky sunglasses smile for the camera. The adult is in a yellow shirt and jeans. The child has on a black outfit with a pink belt

“On a local level, I felt safer.

JC, 67

7.

“The ability to focus and multitask.

Elderly woman applying makeup with a brush in front of a mirror, accompanied by another elderly woman doing makeup in the background

I used to be able to juggle 812 projects at a time.

Now, I have to use every bit of concentration just to make a grocery list.”

“I spent so much of my teens and 20s worrying about how my body looked in a swimsuit.

Three children enjoying cake at a table with a floral curtain background

Becky, 50, Wisconsin

9.

“At 15, I got my first actual paycheck job (instead of babysitting).

That was the last summer I chose to go on vacation with my family.

I wish I would’ve focused on quality time instead of money.”

“My health particularly, my dental health.”

Rickey, 62, North Carolina

11.

I would call her for advice on everything and anything.

12.“Time.

I wasted SO MUCH time when I was younger.

I acted like I had an infinite supply of it.

I definitely took time for granted.”

Candi, Oklahoma

13.

“Having good skin.

“I miss the fact that all of our neighbors were ‘pseudo parents.’

If we were hungry or thirsty, a parent on the block would bring cookies and juice.

Likewise, if a parent yelled, ‘Get out of the street!’

every kid got back on the sidewalk.

It didn’t matter whose parent said it because we’d all listen.”

Anonymous

15.

“Spending time with my grandparents and other older relatives.

I’d love to know more about him.”

16.Lastly: “I took looking at the moon for granted.

metallicminion26

Note: Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.