Article Summary: Originally by Bronnie Ware of Stylist Magazine
Life Moves Fast
Every day, there’s a lot going on, all fighting for your attention. Some of it is great — and some of it just wastes your time.
So how do you know what’s really worth your time?
The answer: Remember that your time is sacred. You won’t live forever and you are actually going to die one day
The more you remember that, the more you’ll live a life that feels good to you — not just one that follows what other people expect.
It can help to learn from those who’ve already lived full lives — people who reached the end of their lives and shared the things they wished they had done differently.
Here are the top regrets people have when they are dying — and how you can avoid them:
1. "I Wish I Lived My Own Life, Not Just What Others Expected"
When you’re young, it’s normal to copy your parents and the people around you. That’s how you learn. They did the best they could based on their own life experiences.
But as you grow up, you realize you’re your own person. You might like different things and believe in different ideas than how you were raised. And that’s okay.
Many people, when dying, realized they hadn’t had the courage to follow their own hearts — and that made them very sad.
Life is asking you now: Be brave. Live your truth. Use your precious time wisely.
2. "I Wish I Hadn't Worked So Hard"
Loving your job is great! But it’s easy to get stuck working all the time, especially with how connected we are through technology.
Many people realized too late that work had taken over their lives. When they couldn’t work anymore, they felt lost — no hobbies, no joy, just work memories.
Fear (like fear of not having enough money or fear of being judged) often keeps people stuck working too much.
You can choose differently. Make space for fun, friendships, and family too. It will actually make you better at your work and happier in life.
3. "I Wish I Had Expressed My Feelings More"
As a kid, when you were sad, you cried. When you were happy, you danced. When you were mad, you showed it.
As you get older, you learn to hide your feelings to fit in. Over time, it can feel "normal" to stay quiet — even when you need to speak up.
But being honest about how you feel is important. Whether it’s sharing your love, standing up for yourself, or just saying what’s on your mind — it takes courage, but it’s worth it.
Start small. Practice speaking your truth with kindness. The more you do it, the freer and stronger you’ll feel.
4. "I Wish I Had Stayed Close With My Friends"
Thanks to phones and social media, it’s easy to think you’re staying in touch with friends. A text here, a comment there.
But real connection — laughing together, talking face to face, sharing memories — is what truly keeps friendships strong.
Many people, at the end of their lives, missed their old friends. They wanted to laugh about old times, feel understood, and remember they belonged.
Don’t wait. Texting is good, but real time together is even better. Make time for it.
5. "I Wish I Had Let Myself Be Happier"
Happiness isn’t just about getting lucky. It’s something you choose — even when life is hard.
Hard times help you grow stronger and wiser. But you don’t have to stay stuck in sadness or old stories forever.
You can choose to look for the good things, to feel grateful, and to believe you deserve happiness.
Many people realized too late that they had let others decide whether they were "worthy" of being happy. It broke their hearts.
Remember:
- You get to choose what you focus on.
- You get to choose joy.
In the end:
Every brave choice you make to live true to yourself leads you away from regret — and toward a life full of meaning and happiness.
And when you do that, you help make the world better for everyone.
We’re all in this together.