Testimonial by Bronnie Ware
People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learned never to underestimate someone’s capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.

When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:

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

This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have had not honored even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honor at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard

This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

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

Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

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

Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier

This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.

When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

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deepfriedjupiter:

I never reblog but these pictures are simply what we miss out in this world. Amazing post.

1. Hard Work

“God gives every bird a worm, but he does not throw it into the nest.” –Swedish Proverb

Success requires hard work.  If you’re not working very hard, you’re probably not on the path to success; you may be on a treadmill.  It takes hard work to succeed.  It takes enough discipline to create the right habits, an attitude that doesn’t relent, and a work ethic that few are willing to bear.

2. Take Responsibility

“Possession of the ball is the key to winning in football, basketball, and the game of life.”
–Laing Burns, Jr.

In the game of life you have the ball.  Don’t try to give the ball to fate, luck, or chance.  Take the ball and play the game.

Can you even decide the game you play?  You have the ball, you decide the game, life has been set up for you to win!

3. Act Like You Can’t Fail

“Act as though it is impossible to fail.” –Anonymous

I didn’t say failure was impossible, but you should act like it is.  I didn’t say you wouldn’t fail, but you should act like you won’t.  Why?  Because your attitude will ultimately determine your altitude.  If you see yourself as a success, you will eventually succeed.  Act like the successful do, don’t be timid or shy; play like you’re going to win the game.

4. Fail Miserably

“Unless you’re willing to have a go, fail miserably, and have another go, success won’t happen.” –Phillip Adams

It’s okay to fail; it’s even okay to fail miserably.  The only way to success is on the path of failure.  When you fall, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, learn from your mistakes and keep moving.  You have time to succeed.  If you stay focused in an area where you’re passionate, and where you have a natural advantage, you will succeed.

5. Plan and Succeed

“An Unfailing Success Plan: At each day’s end write down the six most important things to do tomorrow; number them in order of importance, and then do them.” –Anonymous

This is the recipe for success.  Plan your days and then complete your plans.  I would be remiss not to mention that you should complete the most important tasks first.  These are the ones you usually don’t want to do because they require you to leave your comfort zone.  But growth only occurs when you’re uncomfortable, get accustomed to being uncomfortable.  Get comfortable being uncomfortable, soon you will grow, soon you will succeed.

In Closing

Dell Crossword said, “Success is not permanent. The same is also true of failure.”  If you’ve failed in the past, that doesn’t mean you have to fail in the future.  If you follow the steps in this article you will begin to succeed.  Make sure you work in an area that makes you happy, ensure you work towards your passion, and one day, that which you seek, you will find.

via pickthebrain