Top 5 Regrets People Make on Their Death-Bed

Just read this today and felt it was worthy of sharing......

Nurse reveals the top 5 regrets people make on their deathbed

By Bronnie Ware (who worked for years nursing the dying)

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 of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn't work so hard.

This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.

Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly,in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved.Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip.But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks,love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have sillyness in their life again.

When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again,long before you are dying.

I first read this in the Observer August 2010 but have since found a link to the post on her website: http://www.inspirationandchai.com/Regrets-of-the-Dying.html

LIVE LIFE FULLY : ) You'll have less regret at the end!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxxo

Emma

LOVE & LIFE IN THE BAY

It has been just over a year since I moved to the bay area of California. I am doubtful that there is anyone still checking in to my blog, but just in case....

I am very happy to report that my love life is amazing. Never before have I felt relaxed and confident in a relationship to the point that I can honestly say that I'm with someone who is truly my best friend and mate. It feels so strange to me to know that a disagreement doesn't end a relationship. The maturity of being in a partnership is refreshing, not always fun, but then I'd be lying if I said otherwise.

What is also refreshing is to know that my love/work was not at all a hindrance creating our relationship. Finding a man who loved me and respected me and my choices was the greatest gift! I understand that he is secure w/ himself and he understands that our love cannot be destroyed by sharing physical love with others.

I have truly enjoyed making such wonderful friends and will always cherish my memories of this time & experience!! I have no regrets and will say that I understand not every man/woman/trans can share the same positive experiences I've had but when you venture into anything new with w/ open eyes & mind and with an open heart with a clear set of goals, rules & intentions in place beforehand I cannot see where failure & negativity would be an outcome.

LOVE TO YOU ALL WHO HAVE COME INTO MY LIFE AND HELPED ME BECOME A BETTER & WISER HUMAN BEING!!!

xoxoxoxoxo

Emma : )