December 6: Regrets of the dying

Five common regrets of the dying from the patients of Bronnie Ware, a palliative care worker.

Source: Bronnie Ware
Published: March 2010

Regrets of the dying

For many years Bronnie Ware worked in palliative care. Her patients were those who had gone home to die, usually spending three to twelve weeks in Bronnie’s care.

“People grow a lot when faced with their own mortality. When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again.”

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

2. I wish I didn't work so hard.

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.

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

5. I wish I had let myself be happier.