Sunday, January 25, 2015

Top 5 Regrets of people on their deathbeds

Source
Years ago, I remember reading an article on the top 5 regrets people have on their deathbeds.  And I only remember 2 out of the 5.   Tsk...tsk.  But I did try working on those 2 since then.

Anyway, a few weeks back, I came across a similar article from LifeHack.   I think we should keep a cheat sheet of this somewhere so we don't forget (or rather, I don't forget.  Haha...).  

The regrets were compiled by a nurse who spent time with the dying patients in the last 3 to 12 weeks of their lives.  When asked about what would they have done differently, here were the top 5 common answers:

1.  I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

The nurse said that this was the most common regret of everyone.  When people look back at their lives, they realize all their unfulfilled dreams due to decisions they have made, or not made. 

The nurse also said that 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 doesn't mean we shouldn't work hard but rather, not work excessively long hours that you no longer have time left for your family and loved ones.  

The nurse emphasized that by simplifying one's lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do.

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

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

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
The nurse said that many didn't realize until the end that happiness is a choice.  She said that 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 silliness in their life again. 

It's good to revisit the list.  I realized I just need to work on just one more thing.  Just don't ask me which one. Haha... 

To read the full article, check it out here.