“I don’t regret the things I’ve done, I regret the things I didn’t do when I had the chance.” ~Unknown
In the final stages of life, people often feel regrets. There are many similarities between the regrets of the dying and the regrets of the living. We seldom get second chances. Do-overs are rare. Instead of having regrets about the things you haven’t done (yet), make a conscious resolution to do them. Before it’s too late. Give yourself that second chance. Don’t wait to get it. If you have regrets about the past, now is the time to change that. You can do things differently starting now. You don’t have to wait until you think you’re dying. Fulfill your wishes.
Do you wish you had experienced more of what life has to offer? Have you had the experience of traveling to different parts of the country or the world? Have you enjoyed exploring new sensations that travel offers? From now on, do it! Travel while you can. Step into the unknown. Expand your horizons. Embrace more new and exotic adventures.
Do you wish you had listened more to the good advice of others who know more than you do? Do you wish you had made different choices about what you ate and how much you ate; how often you exercised or were physically active? Do you regret the condition of your health and the physical state of your body? Listen now. Make the changes which will bring you the results you will not regret. Your body is a miraculous machine capable of healing itself and creating a new and improved version of you.
Do you wish you had stepped out of your comfort zone and faced your fears? Do you regret not taking a risk and being too cautious? Have you pushed yourself to the limits of your abilities? Or have your beliefs stood in your way? Not trying is worse than failing! Resolve to let go of your fears and perceived limitations. It’s an inside job. No one else can do it for you. Believe in yourself.
Do you wish you had spoken up more about what is important to you…what really matters? Have you voiced your opinions and stood up for your values and beliefs? Do you regret years spent keeping quiet while you suffer in an unhappy relationship? Do you regret the less than successful path your career has taken? If it is important to you, speak up now. Your truth is more valuable than the false harmony that is created by your silence. Allow yourself to speak your truth.
Do you wish you had done something sooner…rather than procrastinating about doing it? We miss out when we do that. We also pick up a few negative emotions like guilt and shame and embarrassment. And we can add regret for those opportunities that are forever lost. Taking action can be very difficult and scary. We need to be prepared for the results of our actions. Now is the time to start. Just do it! Make a plan and execute it. You’ll add positive emotions like pride, courage, confidence and a feeling of accomplishment.
Take the advice of the dying as a reflection of what could have been. Listen to those who have suffered through extreme trauma or illness and rehabilitation to learn to live again. Stop focusing on regrets and start focusing on resolutions. Pay attention to this simple advice. Experience all that life has to offer. Listen. Believe in yourself. Speak up. Don’t wait. Do it now! And I must add this: Love. Love yourself. Love others. Love deeply. Love freely. Love makes all the other stuff worthwhile.