Bronnie Ware, Australian author and palliative care nurse recorded the five most common regrets revealed to her by her dying patients.
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
“This was the most common regret. The majority of the patients had not honoured even a half of their dreams.’
2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
Every male patient reported this to Bronnie. They’d missed out on their kids growing up and the companionship of their partner’s.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
Most of the people had suppressed their real feelings just to keep the peace in relationships with friends/family/colleagues.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Bronnie found out that many had let good friendships slide over the years.
And 5. I wish I’d let myself be happier.
Most didn’t realise until it was too late that happiness is a choice…