Top 10 regrets in life by those about to die

Palliative nurse, Bronnie Ware, cared for patients in the last weeks of their lives. She recorded their dying epiphanies, gathering them together in a book.

“When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently,” she says, “common themes surfaced again and again.”

This list is for reflection. Possibly not all the thoughts will seem relevant or helpful to you. Perhaps it can be used as a reference point to understand what adjustments you would like to make moving forward.

Top 10 Dying Regrets

1. I never pursued my dreams and aspirations.
2. I worked too much and never made time for my family.
3. I should have made more time for my friends.
4. I should have said ‘I love you’ a lot more.
5. I should have spoken my mind instead of holding back and resenting things.
6. I should have been the bigger person and resolved my problems.
7. I wish I had children.
8. I should have saved more money for my retirement.
9. Not having the courage to live truthfully.
10. Happiness is a Choice, I wish I knew that earlier.

Relationships and communication feature repeatedly in the top 10 Dying Regrets. It is never to late to change the way you relate to the people you care about.

Do phone or email if you have any questions about couple counselling and psychosexual therapy.