Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing

by Bronnie Ware

Learning to receive is a necessity, if we are truly open to seeing our dreams realised. As any person who is a natural giver knows there is great pleasure in giving. But if we are a giver without allowing ourself to also receive, then not only are we blocking the natural flow of things to us and creating an imbalance, we are robbing someone else of the pleasure of giving. So allow others to give too. It is only pride or lack of self-worth that stops anyone from being able to receive and every single one of us deserves such goodness.

It is possible to change the world and us. As we improve our own lives, and work towards having no regrets, we naturally improve the lives of those around us. It is possible to reverse the segregation and disharmony we have created in society. It is possible to be happy. It is possible to work towards dying without regrets while still alive and well.

With each bit of light that starts shining out, we start feeling better. It gives us a taste of how great it could be, free of all that we are carrying. This makes us recognise just how much everyone else is also carrying. We develop compassion. We decide that from now on, we are not going to throw any more muck on others. After all, how can we all be shining at our best if we keep throwing it all over the place and on each other? We get back to work on ourself, very gently rubbing a little more off. It takes much patience and gentleness, working on a little bit at a time, but excitement builds each time another pocket of light breaks through. We catch another glimpse of our own beauty and radiance.

Be who you are, find balance, speak honestly, value those you love, and allow yourself to be happy. If you do this, you will not only be honouring yourself, but all those who despaired in their final weeks for not having had the courage to do so. The choice is yours. Your life is your own.

When challenges are thrown your way and you are wondering how on Earth it will all come together, how you will find peace about a particular relationship, when the contacts you need will arrive, or how you will find the money to make something happen, just remember that what your heart wants, you want too. You just have to get out of the way sometimes. Take what action you can and then let go. Stand tall, take a deep and loving breath and walk on, being proud of who you already are. Have full faith and confidence you deserve it, that your prayers have been heard and are already on their way to you. And simply remember one little phrase: Smile and Know. Just smile and know.