You have today – right now – to do the things that are important to you. Don’t wait. You don’t get this day back, you don’t get to take that comment back, you don’t get a second chance at the opportunities in this moment. Don’t wait.
There is a great article making its way around the Internet by a palliative care worker, Bronnie Ware, titled Regrets of the Dying. If you missed it, here is the list of patient regrets she shares:
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 didn’t work so hard.
3. I wish I 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.
What wisdom! And as Dr. Rachel Remen says in her book, Kitchen Table Wisdom, some of the world’s greatest wisdom happens from the edge of life. The value is learning these lessons before we are close to that edge so we are wiser about each day of living – creating them in the way we need and want them – loving each day by customizing it for who we are, what we are good at and how we can bring our best to our world.
So don’t see Bronnie Ware’s list as a summary of regrets. Instead,see it as an action plan for a “regrets-free” new year. Determine how you want each day to be. Live YOUR definition of a great life. Get in your zone and never let a day go by without doing what you love, sharing what you think and being who you really are.
George Bernard Shaw wrote, “I want to be all used up when I die.” I love this quote. I don’t want anything left undone – I don’t want regrets. And that can only come by choosing to be fully engaged in life – by being present each day, living it fully, happily, openly, honestly and wisely. And all of these are our choice.
It always amazes me that in a country where we have the ability to discover and live our true identity, play to our talents and bring our best, so many of us let others dictate how life is to be. I guess this explains why so many people have this list of regretsas they approach the end of life.
So make a decision today to live passionately and as you are. Celebrate your unique abilities, personality, likes and interests. Don’t explain or justify. Just remember that when you live your greatness, you bring your best to the rest of us.
May 2012 be a year of incredible growth, wisdom, happiness and greatness. Never hide who you are. Show up, step up and stand out this year. Life done well has no regrets. Commit to doing life well in 2012.
Good news should always be shared – and committing to living a life of no regrets in 2012 is good news. Please share with those who can benefit from this message.
As always, The Greatness Zone is your resource to learn how to know yourself, find your voice and live life your way. More resources coming in early 2012 including Greatness Coaching – for those (at any age) that want to live purpose and passion.
