This last week I’ve been doing a lot of small group coaching. And a common theme has been creeping in…. regrets.
It’s something we often don’t reflect on until it’s too late.
And while reflecting I came across this article by John-Paul Iwuoha.
The 5 Biggest Regrets People Have Before They Die
What he shared in the article was…
Bronnie Ware – an Australian nurse and counselor – took care of terminally ill people, most of whom had less than 12 weeks to live. As part of therapy, Bronnie would ask about any regrets they had about their lives, and anything they would do differently. Of all the responses she got from her patients, she noticed there were 5 regrets that stood out.
These were the most common regrets her patients wished they hadn’t made:
1) I wish I pursued my dreams and aspirations, and not the life others expected of me
I think the biggest lesson from this regret is, if you know what really makes you happy, do it! (Follow your bliss…)
2) I wish I didn’t work so hard
No surprise here. We don’t often wish at the end of our lives that we had spent more time at work. People often wish they had put more focus on other things including their relationships, their health and their spirituality. In short…DO….IT….NOW!
3) I wish I had the courage to express my feelings and speak my mind
Emotional intelligence….wow. Game changer. This to me means also “I wish I had taken more time to work on ME.” Because when we do the work, we get stronger. Period. We have firmer boundaries, and we can express our needs.
4) I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends
Social life = HUGE! More proof that the Harvard Grant study was right. Having close friendships can be SO IMPORTANT. Make it that way.
5) I wish I had let myself be happier
When we realize that happiness is a choice and we put conscious effort into it that can lead to an incredibly fulfilling life. Safeguard your happiness like it’s a precious treasure!
You know I’m a happiness coach right?! (cough cough) #shamelessplug
So I ask you…are there any REGRETS that you don’t want to die with?
Are you spending too much time working?
Putting work in front of family, friends, relationships?
Are you making money your priority?
Are there adjustments you can make in your life to change any of that?
I think these findings prove that living the most rewarding fulfilling life possible is not only necessary, it’s crucial to your happiness.
If you need help, you still have time to join my Happi Mom Squad. We’ll be working at squelching any and all of our regrets.
Email me…Steffani@myhappilife.com
#noregrets
Steffani
Founder and Happiness Coach at My Happi Life
www.myhappilife.com