There is no better moment to capture “what ifs” than when a person is reaching the end of life.
Several studies have recorded the most painful regrets of dying people.
“I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.”
How frustrating to realise you have dedicated your whole life to complying with other people’s expectations, perhaps even made yourself believe they were your own. Thinking you can always live your dream “tomorrow” means you will wake up one day and no longer have the strength to do it.
“I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.”
Studies show an overwhelming number of people dislike their job, yet are prisoners to their “work – commute – sleep” cycle and accumulate endless hours at the office. They are longing for the day they retire and think life will finally start then, blending out the probability they might never make it to retirement.
1 out of 3 doesn’t.
“I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.”
Disappointing others can be painful. But the truth is, it is literally impossible to please everyone, and rejection is an uncomfortable but necessary answer to the things our heart tells us don’t feel right. A mediocre life will leave no footprint. Sometimes you need to go “all in”.
“I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.”
True friends are always there for each other; that is, if their relationship is nurtured. Our roads may naturally diverge at certain crossroads and if we don’t pay attention, they might never cross again. We will be left wondering: where is my soulmate now? And the memories of shared laughter will slowly fade away.
“I wish that I had let myself be happier.”
While our head may insist that we are happy where we are, deep within, our heart knows whether this is really true. Leaving comfort and familiarity for the unknown in the search for authenticity and happiness can be tough; not leaving will be suffocating. Happiness is a choice. Every heartbeat gives us the option to say yes to an abundant life.
