“The secret to change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new”
– Socrates
Hospice nurses have profound insights about life that most of us are not privy to, until our last days. These nurses who minister to the dying witness and listen to their tearful regrets, their last wishes, and their most intimate feelings. Last wishes often revolve around the topic that they know is the only one worth their last thoughts and breath: love of self and others.
What if you took the regrets of the dying and used them as a template to live your best life?
In a book by Australian nurse Bronnie Ware, ‘Top 5 Regrets of the Dying’, I can’t help but turn these insights around and call it a tome for how to live well.
“I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself-not the life others expected of me”. This statement is packed with all sorts of roadblocks people face from family, friends, colleagues and figures in authority. Once pigeon holed, it takes great effort to break out of the mold of others expectations, and live an authentic life, true to your soul. The shame and guilt seduces us into living small and pander to others expectations. The question becomes would you rather live with regret or muster courage to embark on a road less travelled?
“I wish I hadn’t worked so much”. We all can relate—right?! Having the fortitude and guts to work independently creates an opportunity most people do not take advantage of in terms of allowing oneself to take time off, engage in stress free leisure, and R & R. I know a health care provider who knows all too well the advantages of self-care. He promised himself a few years back to work 4 days a week. To his surprise he found that he accomplishes more in a shorter period of time and the time off allows for creative thinking, precious more moments with loved ones, and a healthier mind, body and spirit. This dovetails well into the third regret: “I wish I had let myself be happier”. Commit today to engage regularly in activities that make your heart sing! Life is short and time flies.
What if you lived each day with one eye on living as if? As if you are mortal and have an expiration date? Not to create fear, but a healthy urgency to prioritize, to put your needs, desires and dreams on the front burner instead of the backburner. To Live Well Daily is a discipline that will enriche your life. Tip: Become an overachiever in finding and expressing your bliss today and every day!
Let me know your new commitment plan to infuse joy and happiness into your life! Reach out for support. As your live well expert, I am here to coach and encourage you.