This post by Bronnie Ware, about the regrets of people as they are dying, really stuck with me and pops into my head sometimes, perhaps when I need to remember it most. Bronnie worked in pallative care for many years and was with people during the last 3-12 weeks of their lives- she noticed some recurring themes in what people regretted most as they reflected back on their life.
Can you guess what the most common regret of all was?
From Bronnie's post on her Inspiration and Chai blog,
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.
So many of us get stuck in what is comfortable, what we think we "should" do or what's best for everyone else around us- but you have to consider what's best for you, too.
What's the back of the mind dream that you find yourself longing to bring into reality? What do you wish you could change in your life? What do you feel passionate about? What is calling to your deepest, truest self?
And what's stopping you from doing what you know you need to do to start turning those dreams into waking, breathing, real life?
Well, I have an idea. Maybe it's fear of failure, fear of success, fear of the unknown, fear of change, because it seems too big, because it seems too impossible, self-doubt, nagging perfectionism, feelings of guilt, laziness and procrastination, waiting for the "right time", feeling like you already "missed the boat", because you're too young, because you're too old, because of one circumstance after the other, because you can't "find the time".
I know all these feelings very well, because I go through the gamut of them each time I try something new, each time I make an effort to hone in on what really fulfills me the most. I could easily let my mind talk me out of making any changes.
But once I start to move, to act, to progress towards wherever my passion is driving me, I start to feel engaged. Enthused. Invigorated. My motivation, determination and will start to kick-in and I suddenly feel supported by my own mind in that, together, we're gonna make things happen!
And it's not because the fear, doubt, guilt and everything else went away, oh no. It's because in the MOVEMENT, the ACTION, the DOING of the things you know will bring you closer to your dreams, you can suddenly see those dreams as achievable, realistic, within reach.
Suddenly, YOU CAN DO THIS and no matter what the critical voice in your head has to say otherwise, YOU WILL.
Taking action gets you out of your head, out of your own way, and lights that little fire within your gut that will help keep you focused on your goals to take you where you want to go.
We all deserve to follow our passions and live a life with no regrets. A life true to ourselves, one that feels rich, whole and happy.
Think about your life right now- what is one unfulfilled dream that you'd later regret not acting on? And what's the FIRST STEP you can take to help bring that dream down into reality?
And if you'd like some support on getting moving towards your dreams, The Catalyst course might be just the spark you need!
*psst: course registration starts Feb.1, but we'll be sending out a special pre-registration offer to inner circle members this afternoon- get on the list to get first dibs and a good discount!*
