. . . how I’m doing on that list.
Some 13 years past, the Facebook posts saved as “memories” are interesting to read.
My Grandmother passed away at 83 on Holy Saturday. My Aunt Cissie passed away at 99 on Good Friday (April 6, 2012 at 5am). That leaves Easter Sunday for me at 105…when the daffodils are in bloom. Sounds like a plan.
–my Facebook post, 2012
I included a Guardian article, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, by Bronnie Ware. She is an Australian nurse who spent several years working in palliative care and authored a book on regrets.
The top five regrets of the dying, as witnessed by Ware were:
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
The article ended by asking what regret would we add?
Back in 2012, Dan was still with us. He was too practical to think much of the list. He kept life simple and just did his best to love well and to enjoy each day.
If I were to add to the regret list, I would say that I regret giving in to fear too often. This is something that I am observing in myself as I make new choices . . .
Don’t automatically run away from the fear.
Learn to sit with it and see what shows up.
Based on the life I am creating anew, the original list includes things I have definitely worked on in my life, such as using my voice to speak about things that are important to me, and making a life that is authentically my own. I plot, plan, and execute small joys and overall happiness. Making space for friends is a good habit I’ve enjoyed for all of my adult life.
What’s your greatest regret so far, and what will you set out to achieve or change before you die?
“I am not planning to die until I am 105, but as far as this list goes…well…I think I am doing okay, even if my plan changes.” –Kathie Neff, 2012
In other words, if I don’t make it to 105, I still will have done just fine in this lifetime.
But, then again . . .
I’m pretty sure I’m biased.
