5 REGRETS WE ALWAYS HAVE ON THE DEATH BED

Hello, readers. I stumbled on some interesting lessons about life and I discovered that we can leave this world without regrets if we do things right. At 3:54 pm on the 31st of December 2011, Bronnie Ware, a nurse who worked for years nursing the dying, revealed the top five regrets people have on their deathbed. I've written them in this post and will attach my notes on each point. 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 look back and realize that their life is almost over, it is easy to see how many dreams went unfulfilled. Most people have not honoured even half of their dreams and died knowing that it was due to choices they made, or did not make. 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 realize until they no longer have it. PERSONAL NOTE: ● The worst thing you can ever do to yourself is to live your life the way people expect you to live. ● The fact that people will talk should not stop you from living your best life. ● Live your life the way you want, remembering you can never undo what you have done. Think and act wisely, because you have just one life to live. 2. "I wish I didn't work so hard". This came from every male patient that she nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Some women also spoke of this regret. However, as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men 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 reduce your expenses and need for more money. Also, by creating space in your life, you become happier and open to new opportunities that suit your new lifestyle. PERSONAL NOTE: ● Working hard is not working smart. If you spend your whole life building an organization or company without spending time with your family, you can’t enjoy your old age. ● No matter how hard you work for an organization, it can never take the place of your family or love you like your family. Which is your priority? Work or family (wife/husband and children)? ● Spend your time wisely. 3. "I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings". Many people suppressed their feelings 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 harbored. We cannot control the reactions of others. Although people may initially react when you change and start speaking honestly, it eventually raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationships from your life. Either way, you win. PERSONAL NOTES: ● Expressing your feelings will not kill you, it helps you stay out of worries. ● Try to speak when you are in love, angry, upset, or even in need. ● Learn how to speak politely. Hiding or keeping your feelings can cause several illnesses. Express yourself! 4. "I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends". Often, people don't realize the importance of old friends until their dying weeks and it is 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 with a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with death, the physical details of life fall away. People want to get their finances in order as much as possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things for the benefit of those they love. However, they become too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks. Love and relationships. PERSONAL NOTES: ● We were created for each other, not to live in isolation. ● We need to keep our friends, spend time with them, and also care for them. ● Don’t ever joke with friendship because every friend comes to fulfill a purpose in your life. Discover it and don’t chase them away. 5. "I wish that I had let myself be happier". Surprisingly, this is a common one. Many do not realize that happiness is a choice until the end. 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 themselves that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh heartily and be silly. When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you will not matter. How wonderful it'd be to be able to let go and smile again, long before death comes knocking. PERSONAL NOTES: ● Let’s get things right; we all have issues. But some of us try to take the worries out of our minds and remain happy. ● Be happy, it’s a sign of good living. ● No one is ugly, it's only people who refuse to smile or be happy that appear ugly. ● Happiness or smiles brighten your day and make your heart free from all worries or burdens. ● Don’t kill yourself before your time. It costs nothing to smile or be happy. But it is expensive to frown or be sad.