What do dying people regret? Top 5 by Bronnie Ware

What do dying people regret? That question fascinated palliative nurse Bronnie Ware.

The answers were remarkably universal, and these five came up repeatedly:

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 I had let myself be happier."

Remarkably: it mattered little what the patients' background was or how "successful" they had been. No one mentioned piles of money, big titles, or possessions. True wealth lies in embracing yourself, finding balance, and spending time with the people who matter.

You don't have to prove anything. You exist, so you are allowed to live. Fully.

✅ Live your own life, not what others expect of you.
✅ Consciously choose how much you work and what you dedicate your energy to.
✅ You are allowed to feel what you feel. Always.
✅ Spend more time with those you cherish.
✅ Allow yourself to be happy with what is.

Happiness is not a status to strive for. It is fleeting. It is moments that come upon you when you are open to them: a song, a glance, a warm thought.

Written by Sarah Van Landschoot
Book: Ware, B. (2011). The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing. Hay House