Bronnie Ware spent a significant portion of her nursing career working with dying people. As a palliative care nurse, she met many people on their deathbeds and cared for them in their final hours. According to the news in Metro, the nurse woman revealed the five main regrets that dying people share with her.
I WISH I HAD DEVOTED MOST OF MY LIFE TO WORKING SO MUCH
Bronnie says the most common remorse of those facing their own death relates to their careers and working lives.
This is particularly true for men, he says, given that the older generation is now seeing more men taking on the ‘breadwinner’ role.
Although money is important, many people regret spending so much time at work; this time could be devoted to family, friends and entertainment.
I WISH I HAD LIVED MY LIFE THE WAY I WANTED, NOT THE WAY OTHERS EXPECTED ME.
The second biggest lament of those on their deathbed is about the ‘right’ side against them. Bronnie says this is the most common regret her patients have at their final bedtime.
He interprets this as sadness that people never achieve, or even try to achieve, their personal dreams.
I REGRET THAT I LOST CONTACT WITH MANY OF MY FRIENDS
When people look back towards the end of their lives, a surprising number of them express some regret for letting their friendships end.
Most of us forget about our old friends until we have a chance to think about our lives. Then most of us throw our minds back and regret that we didn’t do more to maintain contact with the people we met along the way and felt great affection for.
I WISH I WERE BRAVE ENOUGH TO EXPRESS MY FEELINGS MORE
‘Many people suppress their emotions to keep the peace with others,’ says Bronnie. ‘As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became the person they were truly capable of becoming.
‘Many people developed illnesses related to the pain and anger they carried as a result.’
I WISH I HAD LET ME BE HAPPIER
Bronnie’s last great lament about death is very moving. And again, it’s a pretty common thing.
Whether it’s fear of change or fear of disappointing others, many people choose the easy way out, even the seemingly selfless way. Again and again. This can lead to lifelong unhappiness.
‘Life is a choice. This is your life, Bronnie is keen to tell people. ‘Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly and choose happiness’
