Don’t Have Any Regrets!

Bronnie Ware was an Australian nurse. She spent years working in palliative care looking after patients in the last 12 weeks of their lives.

What Bronnie discovered is that people grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality.  Through her service, she learned to never underestimate someone’s capacity for growth.

What if we could learn these lessons now, instead of realizing them on our deathbeds? We never know how much time we have; it’s important that we make the most of it.

Here are the 5 most common regrets that Bronnie’s patients shared when realizing they had very little time left:

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

How often do you worry about what someone else thinks instead of asking, “What would I love?” Only we will know what will bring us the most alive.  We were meant to live full, vibrant and rewarding lives.

2.  “I wish I hadn't worked so hard.”

So many of us have the belief that to be successful we have to work hard.  But, there is an easier way.  There is a way to be successful and in alignment with our core values: to have time for friends, family, ourselves and fun. Once we learn how the universe works, it can be easy.  

3. “I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.”

Living a life you love requires an understanding of who you are and what you want. Sometimes, it takes courage to be your authentic self and to communicate what you want.  If life is to be played full out, we need to be exactly who we are.

4. “I wish I'd stayed in touch with my friends.”

Many of us get so involved with our lives that we often don’t make time for those who mean the most to us. Who have you been meaning to contact but just haven’t gotten around to it?  Go pick up the phone.

5. “I wish that I'd let myself be happier.” 

We often have old patterns and habits that keep us feeling heavy or serious.  Imagine if we gave ourselves permission to be happy.  What if we choose happiness?  How would happiness look and feel like for you?  What is one thing you do that makes you feel happy?  Schedule that in your day – or better yet – go do it right now!  Decide that you are happy and notice how you look at things differently.

What’s one small action step you can take that will move you in the direction of your best life?

I invite you to take that step right now.

Much love,

Cyn

PS - If you want help getting clear on a vision for your best life and to learn how I can support you in creating that life, let’s talk.  Click here for details.