Hi Friends
The article below, sent to me by a friend, has been going around the Internet, and a similar article was published in the New Paper recently.
It's about 5 top regrets that people have on their deathbeds.
To all of us in The Happy Life Project, if we'd choose to believe and take seriously what we have in our hands, and work on the project till it is complete, we will not be among those with such regrets in life.
Please read on.
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"5 top regrets people have on their deathbeds"
by Ms Bronnie Ware, who has worked with the dying for many years
While we are all bound to have some regrets in life, here are the top 5.
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
Ware said that this was the most common regret of all. It’s easy to let our dreams slip by due to circumstances or decisions that we’ve made. These choices mark the divide between living a fulfilled life or one that is full of regrets. It’s important that we aim to achieve at least some of our dreams along the way. We often put off trying for our dreams due to a myriad of reasons. Before we know it, we would have lost our health and therefore, our chance to attain them.
If your dream is to start a business, get to it. If it’s to learn how to dance or try skydiving, book a class. If you want to make music, pick up a guitar.
Don’t put it off any longer.
2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
In between having to make ends meet and aiming for a luxurious lifestyle, it’s easy to see why we get caught up with our work.
Ware said that this was a common regret of male patients who didn’t manage to spend enough time with their family.
It’s easy to get caught up in the rat race, but remember to set aside some time for the important things in life. Most importantly, you will have to understand why you do what you do. Is it for your own personal achievement, for family, or for a higher calling?
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
Hands up anyone who has suppressed their feelings in order to avoid potential embarrassment or argument.
Avoiding arguments is good for a harmonious life, but the problem comes when we take it too far. When we blindly follow the opinions of someone more assertive just to avoid arguments, we’re short-changing ourselves.
While it’s understandable that we use Twitter and blogging to rant about things we are unhappy with, do remember that talking about it face-to-face is always a more sincere option.
So if an issue is major enough, try approaching the person for an honest and frank chat. We’re not saying that the talk will be smooth sailing, but your relationships will emerge stronger and healthier.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
It’s easy to lose touch with good friends. A busy lifestyle can take away time from the ones you love. This is where technology comes in.
With services like Facebook, WhatsApp and Yahoo! Messenger, it’s easy to keep tabs on old friends. Talking to friends is so effortless today that we have no reason to let staying in touch with friends take a backseat.
At the end of the day though, nothing beats chatting over a cup of coffee. So always remember to occasionally take things offline and catch up with your friends the old fashioned way.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
'Many don't realize until the end that happiness is a choice’, said Ware in her blog post.
This is very true. Happiness is something that we choose for ourselves. Many get upset over the circumstances in their lives. What they do not realize is that they can choose to face difficulties with a smile.
Take a moment and enjoy life. If difficulties come your way, remember that pain is inevitable but wallowing in misery is always optional.
Choose to be happy.
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And I should add, don't just choose to be happy (for without a vehicle and the supportive structure, it will be difficult to keep at being happy).
Choose the Happy Life Project!
Why? Because ...
1) You will be challenged to live the life of your dreams, and encouraged to stay focused on what matters to you;
2) You will work hard, and work smart, using leverage power, for only a short time, only 3-5 years - not the rest of your able-bodied life;
3) You will have ample opportunities to get in touch with your deeper-most heart-felt feelings and be encouraged to share them with people who matter;
4) You will be very in touch with family and friends, day to day, for ours is the business of life and living life well everyday even as we journey to our prize;
5) You will not only be happier, you will be 100% Happy - Healthy, Wealthy, Free of the usual universal concerns over money, time and health.
We are blessed to know and to have the Happy Life Project. Let's keep sharing!
Eng Hai
www.happylifeproject.info
