In the book Top Five Regrets Of The Dying palliative nurse, Bonnie Ware, reveals the five most common regrets people express in their final days.
We have an opportunity right now, to live a life that will leave us with no regrets. It is up to us to choose that life.
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me
Isn’t it extraordinary that we all have a set of beliefs about ourselves, the world and the way we should live it.
But it is time to claim our power, question all of these thoughts and to connect with who we really are.
Live authentically – live the you that you were born to live.
No one else has the right to tell you how to live your life.
Give yourself the permission.
2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard
Many people regretted that they missed out on their children’s youth or their partner’s companionship.
Don’t miss out on precious time with those that you love.
They are more important to you than you realise and the memories that you create with them are your true treasures.
Could you work less hard?
Is what you are working for really worth it?
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings
By suppressing your emotions in order to keep the peace, you dishonour who you are.
It is okay to feel how you are feeling.
It is okay to be who you are.
If you feel something, it is because that is the truth for you.
Don’t let anything or anyone stand in the way of you living your existence to the fullest.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends
Many people have lost contact with their old friends and can no longer track them down in their dying days.
We can all get so wrapped up in our own lives that friendships can fall to the side.
Cherish your friendships and give them the time they deserve.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier
We are the one standing in the way of our own happiness.
We are holding onto so much baggage and all we need to do is to let it all go and choose to feel happiness.
In the grand scheme of things, so many problems and worries do not actually matter.
Don’t wait until it is too late to live the life you love.
What would you regret not doing/saying/being if you were to die tomorrow?
With love,
Jess