Regardless of the vocation we choose, the modern processes in every sphere of employment require us to always be at the top of our game.

We are forced into a mechanical existence that prevents us from finding beauty in the ordinary.

Until we are confronted with the awareness that death is imminent, we rarely take the time to recognize our surroundings or reflect on our prior decisions.

In the end, Bronnie Ware, a palliative nurse who works with patients who are near death, made the decision to document their biggest regrets.

“Those who had gone home to die were my patients. They enjoyed some very meaningful moments. I spent the final three to twelve weeks of their lives with them.”I worked in palliative care for many years.”

When people were asked if they had any regrets or what they would do differently, recurring themes emerged. These five are the most prevalent.

1. “I wish I had the guts to live my life for myself, not for other people.”

It’s normal to think more about the things you could have done in the past than the things you did when you’re nearing the end of your life.

Ware said, “Most people had to die knowing that it was because of choices they had made or not made, and they had not honored even half of their dreams.”

Giving up on your own objectives for the benefit of others frequently results in deep regret.

2. “I wish I hadn’t put in so much work.”

Most people who lament not spending enough time with their family because of their busy job schedules share this regret.

Almost all of the male patients Ware spoke with had this condition.

We usually discover our disenchantment and profound regret after being caught up in the rat race and overworking ourselves to gain name, popularity, success, and money at the expense of skipping out on personal assignments and family vacations, but not until it’s too late.

3. “I wish I had the courage to communicate how I feel.”

In an effort to maintain harmony with others, many people repressed their emotions.

As a result, they never achieved their full potential and instead settled for a substandard life. Many became unwell because of the resentment and bitterness they harbored.

We have no control over other people’s responses. The relationship will ultimately reach a new and healthier level, despite the first reactions people may have when you modify your communication style to be more honest.

Either that or it lets you move on from the toxic relationship. In either case, you win.

4. “I regret not keeping in contact with my friends.”

There were a lot of profound regrets about not investing the time and energy that friendships required.

According to Ware, “it was not always possible to track them down, and they would often not truly realize the full benefits of friends until their dying weeks.”

Determine who is most important to you in life and ensure that they are with you.

5. “I regret not allowing myself to be happier.”

Happiness is not a result of circumstances, but a decision. It is crucial that we base our decisions on our enjoyment rather than our worries.

According to Ware, their fear of change caused them to seem to be happy in front of others and to themselves, even though they secretly wished they could laugh appropriately.

Being afraid is the one thing that prevents us from being happy and really enjoying life. In your final days, don’t allow space for regret. Take action and achieve your desired level of happiness.

Below, you can read and purchase her book.