Wishing for a "Do-Over"

Do you ever wish you could just rewind your life and redo things that you messed up the first time around?  Now, no comments about repentence, etc.  If you have them, keep them to yourself.  I mean really be able to go back and do things differently, make different choices, hopefully with better outcomes.  I sure do!  Most of the things I would like to have a do-over for involve my role as a mother.  I don't know if it's because my kids are getting older and will be leaving home sooner than I like to think about, but I am constantly thinking, wondering, worrying.  Have I taught them enough?  Have I prepared them to be able to survive on their own?  Have I failed them somehow?  If they don't do their chores now does that mean they will not be able to keep a job?  Does that mean they will never be responsible?  Am I hampering their growth because I didn't encourage them to get a job as soon as they were old enough to have one? 

I've been told by many people that I do too much for my kids.  I guess I do.  I think part of that comes from my experiences growing up.  I want my kids to have me there for them in a way my parents weren't (and couldn't) be there for me.  But am I hurting my kids in the process?  I hope not because, of course, that was never my intention.  Is it too late to change things when they are 18, 17, and almost 15?  I know there is still hope for the younger two, if I don't mess them up too! lol 

Here are the things I wish I had done a better job teaching my kids:
1. Cleaning is not horrible.  It blesses our home and makes it a pleasant place to be.
2.  Less is more and it's ok to get rid of things you no longer want and or need.
3.  They are expected to help around the house on a consistent and regular basis.
4.  I am not a maid, servant, or the domestic help.  I deserve respect and will give it in return.
5.  You mess it up, you clean it up.  And along with that, put things back where they belong. (Lincoln could use some help with that one too!)
6.  When you are responsible to do something, whether that's chores, homework, whatever, DO IT!  And do it the best you can.

Things have to change around here and the only way for them to change is for me to change.  I'm awesome at making lists.  I can make some of the best lists you have ever seen!  Unfortunately, most of the time that's all they are is lists.  The things on the lists never get done and I carry around the guilt of not doing them.  I am overwhelmed and feeling under appreciated by my family.  I have to make the changes that I want for me.  I want to be a happier person, a better wife and mother and that's only going to happen if I get my guilt lists out of the way.  #1 right now is the state of my house and garage.  We have so much stuff we neither need nor use.  Some I keep in case we need them later. Some I like the idea of having, but never use.  Others I just don't get rid of for no good reason.  It has to stop!  The decluttering must begin.  Only when I get rid of the clutter will I feel that my house is really clean.  I must start today, now even.  I will record my progress.  It's super fling boogie time!