Bronnie Ware, a hospice nurse, spent years caring for people nearing the end of their lives, hearing their deepest regrets. Her experiences, shared in her blog and book, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, highlight five common themes that can inspire us to live more fully today. Working in palliative care, she saw patients grow tremendously as they faced death, finding peace after wrestling with fear and remorse.
One frequent regret was working too much. Many men, often the family providers, wished they’d spent more time with loved ones instead of at work, missing moments that mattered most. Another was not living true to their hearts. Patients admitted to burying their dreams to please others, leaving them without the fulfillment of following their true passions.
Losing touch with friends was another heartache. As life gets busy, friendships slip away, but patients regretted not nurturing these vital bonds. A 2023 survey noted 8% of Americans lack close friends, showing how common this struggle is. Many also wished they’d expressed their feelings more. Holding back to avoid conflict led to resentment and sometimes health issues from unvoiced emotions.
The final regret was not choosing happiness enough. Patients realized too late that happiness is a choice, not just chance. Staying in comfortable routines kept them from joyful moments. Bronnie’s message is powerful: we control our lives. By prioritizing family, authenticity, friendships, emotional honesty, and happiness, we can live with purpose and avoid the regrets her patients shared, ensuring a life filled with meaning and joy.
