Guest Blogger, Laura Scott of 180 Coaching, shares this important information on end-of- life regrets. As a coach, and as a person, Laura walks the talk in terms of regret-free living and can be reached at (813)769-9038.
What would it be like to know now what you were likely to regret at the end of your life?
Interested? Well read, “Nurse Reveals the Top 5 Regrets People Make on Their Deathbed“, written by a nurse who cared for dying patients. In this article she lists the top five regrets people make on their deathbed. I’ve summarized and listed them below because I think you might be surprised at the types of things people actually regret:
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.
2. I wish I didn’t work 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.
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.
4. I wish I 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.
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.
As a transition coach, I see the amazing impact of courage (and the empowered decision-making that follows when you give yourself permission to be happy and honor your gifts) makes in a person’s life. Sure, change is scary sometimes, but you are not alone. There are allies who can support you through life’s transitions, and there are tremendous resources at your fingertips. As always the answers follow from the questions.
Re-read this list and ask yourself, “How does this list differ from what you expected? What is not on this list that you expected to be here? How will reading this list change the way you are living your life right now?”
Laura Scott, ACC, CPC, ELI-MP is President of 180 Coaching based in Tampa, Florida, providing Leadership, Transition, and Life Coaching services and retreat planning and facilitation.
