What do you think you might be saying on your deathbed? Will you be looking back at your life with a sense of joy and completeness, or, do you think that perhaps you might be consumed with regret?
As today’s guest shares, “It’s easy to assume that you will live with great health to a ripe old age, then die peacefully in your sleep wearing your favourite pyjamas but it doesn’t work out that way for most people…”
Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests.
Today’s clip is from episode 383 of the podcast with former palliative care nurse, internationally acclaimed speaker, and author of the book ‘The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying’, Bronnie Ware.
Appreciating we are going to die can be the first step to getting more out of our lives and, in this clip, Bronnie shares some of the life lessons that people often learn too late.
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Actionable Insights
1. Live a Life True to Yourself
Live a life that is authentic to your desires and values, rather than conforming to the expectations of others, to avoid the regret of not pursuing your own path.
2. Grant Yourself Permission to Be Happy
Give yourself permission to be happy and realize you deserve it, as many people regret not allowing themselves to experience joy.
3. Prioritize Unscheduled “Space” Time
Regularly schedule “space” time with no agenda, even if it’s just a few hours a week, to honor personal cravings, return to work with greater efficiency, and prevent work from becoming your entire identity.
4. Courageously Express Your Feelings
Find the courage to express your true feelings, as suppressing them can lead to deep regret later in life.
5. Maintain Friendships Actively
Make an effort to stay in touch with your friends, as neglecting these relationships is a common regret among the dying.
6. Act Despite Fear (Courage)
Practice courage by acting despite feeling scared, as it involves breaking through resistance and dismantling the walls that prevent you from doing things.
7. Overcome Fear of Others’ Judgment
Recognize that fear of failure or wasting time often stems from concern about what others think, and work to overcome this to pursue your dreams.
8. Embrace Mistakes as Learning
Understand that making mistakes is an inherent part of learning and growth, especially when pursuing dreams, and is necessary to become your best self.
9. Practice Self-Compassion for Past Mistakes
Develop compassion for your younger self and past mistakes, transforming them from regrets into mere learning experiences.
10. Cultivate Daily Gratitude
Actively find gratitude in your current life circumstances, as this practice is a direct path to living a regret-free life.
11. Re-evaluate Unhealthy Work Situations
If your job demands unhealthy hours (e.g., 60 hours/week) to the point of preventing personal space, consider if you are in the wrong job and seek employment that allows for a healthier work-life balance.
12. Trust Your Own Path
Cultivate belief that you will be okay if you choose to do things your own way, rather than conforming to external expectations.