Life is a winding road that takes you through all sorts of landscapes across the diverse terrain in every kind of weather. Some years are comparable to skipping through sunlit meadows with butterflies and bunnies at your side, while other periods are akin to drudging up a mountain in the rain.
There is no telling where anyone’s road goes, all you have is the next step ahead of you. Sometimes this makes life thrilling, other times scary, but no matter what, it’s always fulfilling if you play your cards right. These are the 37 dying regrets of people who have lived life and gained perspective over the years. So no matter where you are, whether a dry, desert patch or maybe a rainforest of abundance, read these few nuggets of wisdom that apply as benchmarks and reminders to help anyone, anywhere along their journey.
37. Not traveling when you had the chance
Practicing the attitude of gratitude, even when times are tough, helps put anything into perspective – and sheds light when it gets too dark.
36. Not learning another language
Essential TravelIf I could have a superpower, it would be to learn every language. And since I can’t have that, I try to learn, at least “hello,” “please,” and “thank you” in other languages.
35. Staying in a toxic relationship
While there are exceptions, I think the best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour. Just sayin’!
34. Foregoing sunscreen
Or find shade! I usually throw on a hat or camp out under a tree. It’s important to protect your body’s largest organ – your skin.
33. Missing the chance to see your favourite musicians
I love live music and it’s such a nice memory to look back on, especially if you saw them before they got famous. Plus, you never know when that band will break up.
32. Being afraid to do things
I believe everything we want is on the other side of fear. The key is to get researching and face it head-on. Skydiving, anyone?
31. Not making physical exercise a priority
Health is wealth and we only have one body to live in. Find that one way you like to exercise – yoga, running, walking – and stick to it for big benefits down the line. I always try to take the stairs instead of the elevator and walk to the store instead of getting delivery.
30. Letting yourself be defined by gender roles
It’s embedded from a young age and hard to shake. Stereotypes don’t allow for self-expression and authentic emotion. Breaking the chains allows everyone to bring forth their best self.
29. Not quitting a terrible job
The average person will spend 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime. That’s a lot of time to be stuck at a job you detest. You do the math!
28. Not trying harder in school
Hindsight is always 20/20. It’s hard to see how the real world works when you have the safety net of school to support you. The good news is you can always go back and be a student.
27. Not realizing how beautiful you are
We spend too much time being insecure about our looks. Each person has a unique set of attributes that make them who they are. It’s about accepting how beauty comes in so many shapes and forms, colors and sizes and appreciating what you’ve got when you’ve got it, especially before it drops!
26. Being afraid to say “I love you”
There’s only so much life to live, so say what you mean and mean what you say.
25. Not listening to your parents’ advice
I’ve been told once or twice, “I told you so!” They’re not always right, but they’re definitely not always wrong. Their advice usually comes from experience and wisdom so chances are, they’ve been there done that.
24. Spending your youth being self-absorbed
It’s part of the package, I guess! But there are ways to pop the bubble like traveling, volunteering, spending time with people older than yourself, learning about different cultures, etc. And turning off social media once in a while!
23. Caring too much about what other people think
…because the people who mind don’t matter and the people who matter don’t mind.
22. Supporting the dreams of others over your own
Carl Jung said, “The dream is the small hidden door in the deepest and most intimate sanctum of the soul…” Don’t forget to chase yours down too!
21. Not moving on fast enough
Whatever the trauma, grieving is a natural part of the process but getting stuck in the past and fearing the future doesn’t make “the now” possible. One step at a time gets you to a new place.
20. Holding grudges, especially against those you love
“Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” And, forgiveness just feels so much better in the long run!
19. Not standing up for yourself
Saying what needs to be said at the moment it needs to be said without being defensive is truly a skill, maybe even an art.
18. Not volunteering enough
I try to volunteer in the offseason, anytime other than Christmas or Thanksgiving when it’s slow and food banks really need people.
17. Neglecting your teeth
I swear flossing is the key to optimal dental health! And, it feels SO good.
16. Missing the chance to talk to your grandparents before they die
Finding out where you come from is lost on kids, but as we get older, it’s a question we yearn to have answered, and grandparents are the closest connections to the past.
15. Working too much
It’s easy to get wrapped up with deadlines, projects, budgets and all the minutia of work life, but it’s finding that balance and space that truly provides a life worth living.
14. Not learning how to cook one good meal
Where there’s food, there are people. You’ll never be lonely if you know how to cook! And if you can’t cook per se, having a lasagna (my speciality!) or stew recipe up your sleeve is enough to get by.
13. Not stopping to appreciate the moment
Seriously. Whoever said “Take time to smell the roses,” was on to something. Being able to find beauty in even the smallest things adds meaning to life.
12. Failing to finish what you start
Research, be realistic, make a timeline and stay motivated past the honeymoon period!
11. Never mastering one awesome party trick
Oh yes. Definitely having a few of these handy is enough to liven up any party, like the moonwalk or opening a bottle of wine with a shoe (yes, I’ve done it and it’s totally possible).
10. Letting yourself be defined by cultural expectations
They should be guides, not rules written in stone. Something to steer you, not take you away from your true self. Dream big and dream without restraint.
9. Refusing to let friendships run their course
Holding on to a friend because you’ve known them for so long, but have only grown to grow apart isn’t helping either person. And it’s draining!
8. Not playing with your children enough
Children are children for so long before they too have to take on the real world.
7. Never taking a big risk (especially in love)
Nothing ventured nothing gained, it’s as simple as that. You’ll always be left wondering, “Where would I be if I had done this….?”
6. Not taking the time to develop contacts and network
It’s not always comfortable having to break the ice with strangers, but after that initial awkwardness, the rewards and friendships made can be huge!
5. Worrying too much
I am guilty as charged. This is where the Serenity Prayer is great. “God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”
4. Getting caught up in needless drama
A good rule of thumb, ask yourself, “Will this matter in 5 years?” If yes, ok do something. If not, drop it like a hot potato.
3. Not spending enough time with loved ones
Technology makes it easier than ever to keep in touch with loved ones. Even a voice message, or sending flowers when you can’t physically share space helps to let them know you care.
2. Never performing in front of others
Yep, really putting yourself out there for all to see. It’s about practicing how to make yourself vulnerable and exposed which in turn, creates a connection. Acting classes are a way to beat the phobia.
1. Not being grateful sooner
Practicing the attitude of gratitude, even when times are tough, helps put anything into perspective – and sheds light when it gets too dark. It may not be easy to see right now but as you grow older, it becomes clearer that everything and every moment is an amazing gift. We are truly lucky for what we have.
Please share this with the people that you love. You might end up saving their lives.
