Nurse reveals the top 5 regrets people make on their deathbed as written by Bronnie Ware

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives. People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality.

I learnt 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 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.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

Author: Bronnie Ware

***Let's try to live a fulfilled life and not have any regrets. Have a fabulous week people!!! :)

WHO ARE YOU?

Who are you? who does God say you are? that's the report to believe, not the reports of other people trying degrade/depreciate or disapprove of you. Ask yourself WHO AM I? be empowered. One love!

STRESS RELIEF

Stress is a very common epidemic in our society today. With all the demands we face daily, it is easy to slip into the stress bubble.Stress is not good mentally, physically, emotionally or any other areas of our lives for that matter and definitely detrimental to our health. With that being said how can we deal with the stresses/stressors in our lives?  what tips/solutions can you offer from your experience ? please feel free to share and be as concise or elaborate as you like.. thanks

A New Day

As I strolled through Washington DC with my friend in the serene pastures close the white house this past weekend, I thought to myself  "I could be in bed since I have had such a long week at work" and "I could just be lazing around at home" then  I suddenly realized something, I have been so engulfed in my everyday hustle and bustle that I have been forgetting to just soak in each moment and smell the roses. I realized that I need to make a conscious effort to just enjoy every moment and breath the fresh air while appreciating it...the moment I had this realization my walk turned into a relaxing activity versus a task.  Life is beautiful and we should learn to take the moments to enjoy with the people we love and with ourselves and appreciate every moment while absorbing it all with a smile...Jesus died and rose again for us,  so let us awaken and be renewed. Happy Easter Monday and have a fabulous month ahead people :)

Very nice and thoughtful piece posted in the least likely place. Read from the link below. Be encouraged!

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/anonymous-encouraging-message-posted-university-restroom-172524530.html

Wow!  The power to take control of your life... it's in your mind, your thoughts, your faith.. oh my!!!!  This is touching. You are beautifully and wonderfully made just the way you are.  What an amazing story. Please watch the youtube video below and believe. God bless Nick Vujicic and God bless us all.