Most of the time, we take things for granted and fail to appreciate what we have until it’s too late.

Regrets about mistakes we made and the things we didn’t have the courage to pursue are a natural part of the human experience. Sometimes, life grants us second chances to make things right, while other times, we must live with our regrets and feel sorrow for the lost opportunities.

Have you ever wondered what people like you and I regret the most?

Bronnie Ware, a nurse who spent much of her career in palliative care, has witnessed countless patients face their final moments. She shares the most common regrets expressed by those who are aware that their time is coming to an end.

In her book, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing, she writes, “My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives. For many years I worked in palliative care…”

Ware then lists the regrets she encountered.

1. “I Wish I Had the Courage to Live a Life True to Myself, Not the Life Others Expected of Me”

In their final days, many people reflect on the things they left undone. It is common to regret not living the life they truly desired, choosing instead to live according to others' expectations.

"Most people had not honored even half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made or not made," Ware writes.

This serves as a reminder that we should never give up on our goals and dreams just to please others.

2. “I Wish I Hadn’t Worked So Hard”

Busy work schedules can often prevent us from spending enough quality time with family and friends. The pursuit of success, fame, and wealth can leave us feeling spiritually unfulfilled and missing out on key moments in life.

3. “I Wish I Had the Courage to Express My Feelings”

Being open and honest about our emotions is something that many people struggle with. We often remain silent, avoiding the discomfort of sharing how we truly feel to spare others from feeling bad. Yet, by holding back, we end up suffering from unspoken words and unexpressed feelings.

Additionally, many people regret not telling their loved ones how much they love them and how much they mean to them.

According to Ware, this is a common regret among her patients.

4. “I Wish I Had Stayed in Touch with My Friends”

As time passes, our priorities often shift. However, we should never allow ourselves to drift apart from the people who once meant so much to us. Ware has seen many people regret not nurturing their friendships.

“Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of friends until their dying weeks, and it was not always possible to track them down,” she writes.

5. “I Wish I Had Let Myself Be Happier”

Ultimately, happiness is a choice.

“Fear of change had them pretending to others and to themselves that they were content, when deep inside, they longed to laugh properly,” Ware reflects on many of her patients. We should never allow fear to block our path to happiness and doing what makes us feel fulfilled.

“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take!”

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends to remind them that life is short, and we should do our best to live it to the fullest.

Love and Peace,
Bored Daddy