I previously wrote about the Top 5 life lessons 1000 older people surveyed had to give us but I wanted to share another article I believe can serve as a really important compass in our lives.

Bronnie Ware an Australian palliative care nurse reveals the most common deathbed regrets over her many years in palliative care.

I’ve provided a summary below but for the original post, head to her blog.

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

Many on their deathbed regretted the many dreams they had that remained unfulfilled. Echoing the life lessons older people wish we knew now – life is short, don’t put off your dreams until it’s too late. Start now.

2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.

Men especially, expressed regret about prioritising work for most of their lives and missing the important moments in their children’s lives as well as their partner’s companionship.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.

The third most common deathbed regret is that many people never expressed their true emotions for fear of other people’s reactions. Instead they buried it and harboured resentment and bitterness for most of their lives. Don’t be afraid to be honest and to let go of unhealthy relationships.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

All that’s important in the final weeks before death is love and relationships, not any other details. Many regretted not putting in the time and effort to maintain golden friendships and missed their friends.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

Happiness is a choice – it is something many people don’t realise until late in their lives. Don’t make the same mistake.