National Library of Medicine (2012): The Five Regrets of the Dying

Bronnie Ware, an Australian palliative care nurse, spent years caring for patients in the final stages of their lives, during which she recorded the most common regrets people shared as they faced death.

Her research revealed five recurring themes:

‍

• Wishing they’d had the courage to live a life true to themselves rather than one others expected

• Wishing they hadn’t worked so hard and sacrificed meaningful time

• Wishing they’d expressed their feelings more openly

• Wishing they’d stayed in touch with friends, and

• Wishing they’d allowed themselves to be happier instead of staying stuck in old habits and expectations

‍

These regrets offer a powerful mirror to the living, reminding us that fulfillment comes not from external success but from authenticity, connection, emotional honesty and choosing joy while we still can.

‍