The Top Five Regrets of the Dying
by Bronnie Ware
A palliative carer on what people wished they had done differently.
In one breath
The Top Five Regrets of the Dying is a memoir by Bronnie Ware, who cared for people in the last weeks of their lives. The five regrets she heard most: not living true to themselves, working too hard, not expressing feelings, losing touch with friends and not letting themselves be happier.
What it's about
Ware worked for years in palliative care, mostly in people's homes. She writes about the conversations she had at their bedsides, and about how those talks changed her own life.
The five regrets are simple, almost obvious, and that's their power. None of them is about money or status. All of them are about courage, relationships and allowing yourself joy.
It is a personal, warm book, part memoir and part reflection, and not a study.
Three ideas that stay
Live your own life
The most common regret was not having the courage to live true to yourself, rather than what others expected.
People over work
Working less and staying in touch with friends came up again and again.
Happiness is partly a choice
Many only realised late that they had been allowed to be happier.
Why it inspired your friend
This book is a quiet alarm clock. It doesn't scare you, it just reminds you what tends to matter at the end.
It's a big reason why 'Family and friends' is one of my five, and why I'd rather call a friend today than plan to 'catch up soon'.
Which of the five regrets would you most like to avoid? Why not do one small thing about it this week?
Your friend. Who is your friend?
Try this, if you like
Call or message one friend you've lost touch with. No reason needed.
Who might like it
For you if you want perspective on what really matters, at any age.
If you're grieving right now, it may feel close. Read it when it feels right.
Go deeper
The idea in short: The Five Regrets of the Dying →More on Purpose →
ifeelfive has no connection to the author or publisher. This is a short summary in our own words, not their official material, and nobody paid for this page. No shop or affiliate links.
