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Nurse Reveals the Top 5 Regrets of the Dying

The Top Five Regrets of the Dying We found this inspiring article online and we thought of sharing it. This is about the revelations of a former nurse about the regrets of the dying about life choices. Our existence in life comprises of the choices and decisions we
Nurse Reveals the Top 5 Regrets of the Dying

 The Top Five Regrets of the Dying

We found this inspiring article online and we thought of sharing it. This is about the revelations of a former nurse about the regrets of the dying about life choices. Our existence in life comprises of the choices and decisions we make, that have a long lasting impact on our lives. Our choices tremendously affect who we are, what we can become and the footprints we leave on Earth.

Here is the original story of Ms. Bronnie Ware, an Australian nurse who spent many years caring for patients during the last 12 weeks of their lives.

For many years I worked in palliative care. 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. People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learned never to underestimate someone’s capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them. When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:

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 realize 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 had not honored 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 honor 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.

2. I Wish I Hadn’t Worked 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’d Had Stayed in Touch with My Friends.

Often they would not truly realize 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 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 realize 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 silliness 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.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

We, at Navutu Dreams would like to express our gratitude to Ms. Bronnie Ware for allowing us to use her story on our blog which first appeared on www.bronnieware.com. Ms. Ware is a writer and songwriter from Australia who spent several years caring for dying people in their homes. Her full-length memoir, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, shares even more inspiration and wisdom from dying people and how Ms. Ware’s own life was transformed through this learning.

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