From Bronnie Ware’s regrets of the dying:

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.

Based on intimate conversations with people who were dying, she came up with a list of five recurrent themes of regrets that dying people have.   I’m going to share them with you now in this series, so that you will know to modify your behavior now, before you are dying.

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

This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. 

It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.

Its so true.  We get so many messages from so many places telling us what we should want, what we should do, what we should think, what we should be.  Enough!  

Now is the time to change.  This moment, now, is the time when you can make the most of your life.  You can choose to engage in things you find fascinating.   You can do the things you find truly fulfilling.  You can be an inspiration to those who you love, and bring them up with you!

When I chose to go after what I wanted and not what I felt I should, I woke up.  Quite literally, I started sleeping less.  I’m now living a life that I didn’t think was possible for me.  I’m pursing my dreams.  I’m not giving up.   I feel so alive being on mission!  It started slowly, I made one choice at a time.  Eventually it snowballed, until now, when I’m busy non-stop doing work that I enjoy and care about, and spending time with people whose company I deeply enjoy.

As you take this step, of becoming more true to yourself, it is worth investing in help.  This is your life and happiness.  There are trained professionals who can assist you in exploring this territory of what you truly want.  We at Positive Vector would be honored to assist you.

For myself, having partners has been the key ingredient for making things happen.  We grow ourselves, grow our business, and inspire each other.  Talk to people about the things you are passionate about.  Find partners based on it.  Enroll your significant other in giving you support and structure for following your dreams.  Take classes in the areas you are passionate about.  Start or join groups of people who have similar dreams so that you inspire each other.  Get what you need!  If you want help brainstorming, sign up for a free 30 minute consultation with us – contact @ positivevector.com.

Go forth and conquer!

This post is part of the series: What to Do Before You Die.

-Shannon Friedman

 Set your passion free.