Image: Christmas Morning by Andrew Wyeth
I recently read a thought-provoking book by Bronnie Ware who is a palliative nurse and author. Bronnie worked in different hospices for many years and asked people living their last days how they lived their lives, if they are happy and what they regret.
For me, her findings are very inspiring and helpful and therefore definitely worth sharing . Let me summarize the quintessence of what she writes. Basically people tend to regret five things:
1) Not remaining true to oneself
Most people tried to be / do what others expected them to be / do for their entire life. They regret their lack of courage, self-determination and individual fulfilment as well as having being marionettes of the society.
2) Working too much
This is speaking for itself. Life does not mean work. Life means experiences, adventures, emotions, family, friends and love.
3) Repressed feelings
Most people were afraid of showing their feelings and emotions during their life. They regret they did not free their feelings and emotions (positive and negative ones).
4) Not cultivating friendships enough
Dying people regret they did not care enough for their friends. They preferred less important things (most name money here) to spending time with friends.
5) Too little attention to the bright side of life
People regret they have not spent enough time for their hobbies, traveling, fun in every way and sex.
Bronnie Ware has the following advice for you: Imagine you have two days left. Write your own honest obituary. Become aware of the things you regret and change them.
I did this recently and it helped me to focus on the real important things in life.
Thanks for reading.
@cryptomine