Achievement instead of Regret
In a world that is busy online and offline, we can often get caught up in the pace of life and sometimes trivial conversations. There are many topics that can make us feel uncomfortable, however, a conversation about death can be one of the most challenging of all. Being confronted with our own mortality is difficult but like it or not death is a reality so it’s important that you live life to the fullest as much as you can.
Bronnie Ware worked as a palliative care nurse in the Australian health system, taking care of terminally ill patients during the last 12 weeks of their lives. During that time she was able to share personal conversations with these people about their lives and more importantly what they regret.
Throughout her conversations, it became evident that there were many people that Bonnie cared for that had similar regrets. Do these regrets ring loud to you?
Doing what’s expected rather than pursuing dreams
Bronnie indicated that this is the most common regret. Many believed that the fear of expectations from family, friends and even society meant that many didn’t pursue the dreams that they had long held. When you’re nearing the end of your life, it’s easier to look back and see all the things you didn’t do and wonder how your life would have changed. Many believed they would have been happier if they pursued their dreams.
Working too hard
This isn’t a hard one to believe as many New Year’s Resolutions include “working less” or “achieving a work-life balance” or something along with those words but also many of these New Year’s Resolutions goes unfulfilled as life gets in the way. Many were regretful that work took more of their time and they spent less time with family and friends.
Surprisingly many said that if they had their time over they would simplify their lives so that they don’t need all that money they felt they needed to work for, so they could concentrate on spending time with people that meant the most to them.
Not speaking up
It’s interesting to note that those terminally ill were upset that they hadn’t expressed their views, spoken up or talked about their feelings more. They realised that holding in feelings and thoughts meant that they bottled their feelings up which turned into resentment, hate, and other unhealthy reactions.
Not staying in contact
Many missed their friends and were disappointed that they hadn’t stayed in touch with friends that had been an important part of their life. Connection with people outweighed the importance of the pursuit of money or material things.
Not being happy
The idea of facing death can make create pivotal revelations but the most interesting is that many get an understanding that happiness is a choice. In the pursuit of the next thing to make them happy, they didn’t stop to actually feel happy. You should enjoy the life you have now – smile and be happy that you are where you are. Appreciate what you have while still planning for what you want.
Many of us know that feeling of hindsight – If you could go back and do something again you’d change how you acted, what you did or maybe said, so why not learn from those mistakes and keep calm and carry on.
Create the life that you want by setting goals and taking steps to achieve them. Seek a great coach and mentor to help you along the way as well as keep you accountable. But also smile and celebrate your achievements without regret.
Many of your goals will have a financial aspect so getting your money affairs under control is a great place to start. The best way to achieve your goals is to use the cash flow that you have in the most effective way. The JBS Financial Team want to make sure that you are achieving your life goals, those dreams that hold true value to you.
Reach out to us here so we can support you on your pathway to living the life you dream of.
Source Material: Bonnie penned a blog piece on her experiences and further wrote a book called The Top Five Regrets of the Dying – A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing.