Everyone dies, but not everyone has lived.

Or at least not in the way they would have wanted. That is the conclusion of the book ‘The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying’ by Bronnie Ware.

Bronnie is/was an Australian nurse who provided end-of-life care (think last 2/3 months) to dying people for over 8 years. These were people who suddenly gained a much clearer perspective on their lives.

From the conversations she had with them, she discovered what people regretted the most. Here is the Top 5:

1. I wish I had the courage to live my own life and not the life that others expected of me.

That’s pretty sad, isn’t it? This one came up over and over again, especially among women who had been more forced to assume a traditional role in the family.

At number 2… and the number 1 regret among men, what could that be? Did I wish I had sex more? No,

2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard. (So not: I wish I had worked harder :-))

Number 1 regret of men: Every man said this. They missed the time with their children and their partner.

To complete the list:

3. I wish I had the courage to express my feelings. Especially to avoid ‘keeping everyone happy by putting feelings aside and thereby leading a mediocre life’.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

5. I wish I had allowed myself to be happier. Being happy is a choice. Not so serious.”

How about you? Will YOU die with one or several of these regrets?