Some Impressionistic Take away from the Book

Bronnie Ware
The Top Five Regrets of the Dying
Ramki
ramaddster@gmail.com
About the Authors
Bronnie Ware is an author,
songwriting teacher, and speaker
from Australia.

Her inspiring memoir, The Top

Five Regrets of the Dying, has
connected with hearts all over
the world, with translations in 27
languages.

Bronnie lives in rural Australia

and loves balance, simple living,
and waking up to the songs of
birds.
Prelude
 After working for too many years for unfulfilling work, Author Bronnie
started searching for a new job and despite not having proper
qualification or experience, she found herself working in palliative care.
 Over the years she spent tending to the needs of those who were
dying, Bronnie’s life was transformed. Later, she wrote an Internet blog
about the most common regrets expressed to her by the people she
had cared for. The article, also called The Top Five Regrets of the
Dying, gained so much momentum that it was read by more than three
million people around the globe in its first year. At the requests of
many, Bronnie now shares her own personal story.
 Bronnie has had a colorful and diverse past, but by applying the
lessons of those nearing their death to her own life, she developed an
understanding that it is possible for people, if they make the right
choices, to die with peace of mind. In this book, she expresses in a
heartfelt retelling how significant these regrets are and how we can
positively address these issues while we still have the time. The Top
Five Regrets of the Dying gives hope for a better world.
Prelude
 It is a story told through sharing her inspiring and honest journey, which
will leave you feeling kinder towards yourself and others, and more
determined to live the life you are truly here to live. This delightful memoir
is a courageous, life-changing book.
 This book contains a deeply sentimental and touching story. In this book,
the author shares her experience working with those nearing death to help
you understand that anything is possible if you make choices that align
with your values.
 Bronnie says People grow a lot when they are faced with their own
mortality. She learned never to underestimate someone’s capacity for
growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of
emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and
eventually acceptance.
 Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every
one of them. When questioned about any regrets they had or anything
they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again.
Here are the most common five:.
Regret -1

I wish I’d had the Courage to Live a Life

true to Myself , not the life of others
expected out of me
Regret -1
 The author says that this was the most common regret by the
people who realized their life is coming to an end.

 When people realize that their life is almost over and look back
clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone
unfulfilled.

 Most of the people had not honored their half of the dreams and
they will die knowing that all that happened because of the
choices they had made or not made.

 Hence the author says that it is important to honor at least some

of your dreams. Realize that health is very importantly.

 From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health
brings a freedom very few realize until they no longer have it.
Regret -1- How to overcome
 To avoid this regret and create a life that you love, focus on
being tune into YOU.
 Be unapologetic about pursuing the things that speak to your
soul.
 Express yourself fully and completely. Remember, you only
get one shot to live the life you want.
 Don't worry about judgment or expectations of others. Your
dreams are on your heart for a reason. They are meant to be
lived. It takes courage to live your dreams, yet you will find
fullness on the other side.
 Nobody can decide what is best for you. Many will try, and
they will all fail. It doesn't mean those misguided attempts
don't affect us. It comes back to keeping your circle tight and
choosing each member within it with careful consideration.
Regret -1- How to overcome
 A big objection that many people throw up in favor of not
chasing all their dreams is that other things got in the way.
These are usually things such as a career, starting a family, or
even an injury. Sometimes we just don't believe in ourselves
enough to pursue our dreams, or we allow other
'responsibilities' to get in the way.

 Here's what I want you to understand. Following your dreams

is not selfish. It may mean that you have more responsibilities
than the average person if you have a family. It may mean
you get to work harder if you have challenges that others
don't. Nobody said life was supposed to be easy. It's not easy.
Nothing worth doing will ever be easy.
Living the life of your dreams is absolutely worth it.
Regret -2

I wish I didn’t work so hard.

Regret -2
 The Author says that this is a very common regret especially from
the side of the male patient she had nursed.
 They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s
companionship.
 Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older
generation, many of the female patients had not been
breadwinners.
 The Author says that most of the male patients regret that they
were so busy spending their lives on work treadmill that they forgot
about their personal life.
 Do Not complicate Your life. Understand the importance of
everything in your life. work hard for your luxurious lifestyle but
never forget your family and loved one’s importance, because that
will make you and your life happier.
 Understand every aspect of your life is important hence don’t just
run behind one thing. have time for everything. Manage your time
wisely.
Regret -2- How to overcome
To avoid this regret, you must work smart, not hard.
 Focus on a career that is part of your vision. It's vital to know
what you are trying to achieve and why you are trying to
achieve it.
 Your life's work will feel so much more meaningful when it is
in alignment with your vision.
 Do not spend your life working at a job that you hate or
makes you miserable, just to pay the bills. There are infinite
ways to earn income in this world, and you are smart enough
to find on that is in alignment with you.
 The image of entrepreneurs or corporate bosses working long
hours, day in and day out, is glamorized by movies and
entertainment.
 It is not a real and sustainable pathway to success. Instead, it
is a quick trip to burnout.
Regret -2- How to overcome
 Sometimes longer hours may be required. If you have a dream of
making a considerable impact, your work very well might include some
late nights. It is essential to choose this time with purpose and
intention rather than allow them to dominate your time on this planet.
 Also, please remember that your brain needs downtime to optimally
support your goals. Relaxation, fun, joy, and peace are essential for
your energy, well-being, focus, and productivity. Spend time enjoying
the people that matter most. Celebrate your wins and respect your
body.
 Spending time with those that you love can actually have the effect of
boosting your energy when you do return to work. It may not seem like
it in the heat of the moment when you have a lot of work-related
pressure, yet taking a break to enjoy your family can lead to your
biggest professional breakthroughs.
 Make yourself and those you love a priority. Even a quick phone call
can do wonders for your mindset. You never know where you'll find
inspiration.
Regret -3
I wish I had the courage to express my
feelings
Regret -3
 The Author says that many people suppressed or hide their
feelings in order to keep peace with others.
 As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never
became who they were truly capable of becoming.
 Many developed illnesses because of the bitterness and
resentment they carry within their mind and head.
 Understand You can’t control others every time.
 You can’t control others reaction But you can control yourself
and can make choices for yourself.
 Although people may initially react when you change the way
you are by speaking honestly, in the end, it raises the
relationship to a whole new and healthier level.
 Either that or it releases an unhealthy relationship from your
life. Either way, you win.
Regret -3- How to overcome
 To avoid this regret, you need to never hide your feelings with
people, especially those you love most.
 Prioritize openness and honesty in your relationships, and you'll
be rewarded with a stronger bond in return.
 Yes, even if you experience conflict because of your honesty,
you'll discover greater trust and connection on the other side of
working through that conflict.
 Suppressing your emotions cannot lead to any positive
outcomes. Just like if you shake a bottle of carbonated liquid, the
pressure will always reach a breaking point and boil over or
explode.
 A creative outlet can also be a powerful form of self-expression.
Creativity allows us to express feelings that we may struggle to
put into words. Sharing our creative expressions requires a
certain level of vulnerability, which is powerful in itself.
Regret -4

I wish I had stayed in touch with My

Friends
Regret -4
 In this busy world, people forget the importance of old friends and they
don’t realize till the time they don’t reach near the end of their lives.
 Many have become so caught up in their work that they have forgotten
the importance of true friendship.
 Many people regret the time which has slipped which they could have
given to their friends, they regret the time and efforts that their
friendship had deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are
dying.
 It is very common that people forget the importance of their loved ones.
We all should understand that when our time comes near it is not status
or wealth which we needed that time.
 It is the presence of our loved ones which affects us which makes us
feel good. Suppose you are unwell, you have lots of money, You are
famous But outside your hospital room, there is not even a single
person who truly loves you has come to meet you. How You would
feel?
 Understand Never Complicate your life. Understand the importance of
what you have while working for what you want.
Regret -4- How to overcome
 To avoid this regret, stay in touch with those who matter most.
Fortunately, social media makes it easier to keep in touch
with friends, yet remember that nothing can replace a phone
call or in-person connection.

 Make an intention to connect with a friend every day. It can be

a simple text message of appreciation or a short phone call.
You can even send a letter or a card if you know their
address. It would likely surprise them and make their day.

 Our connections are what keep us going. There's an old

saying that describes it perfectly:

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go

together."
Regret -5
I wish I had let Myself be Happier
Regret -5
 The author says Surprising this Regret is common. Many did not realize
until the end that happiness is a choice.
 People stay in their comfort zone throughout their lives and always fear
to change, Bronnie says They had stayed stuck in old patterns and
habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their
emotions, as well as their physical lives.
 People fear to change, they fear to chase what they desire and to cover
that they pretend to others and to themselves that they are very
satisfied with their lives, however deep within they feel incomplete and
they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
 When you are on your deathbed, what others feel and think about you
is something you don’t think for a second. But the question is why to
Realize it so late, Understand that what others think and say about you
doesn’t matter. It’s you who has control over your thoughts feelings and
emotions. It is You who gives other control over you.
 Its You and it is Your Life, Your choice, Your decisions. Hence Never
Regret things, You still have time to make your life better and change
for better.
Regret -5- How to overcome
To avoid this regret, please remember that happiness is a
choice. It's not something you get from buying something, it's a
feeling that lives within you, even if your life isn't where you
want it to be (yet.)

At the end of the day, you are 100% responsible for your life
and your happiness. Choose to be happy, no matter where you
are in life. If you're staying healthy, operating from your vision,
and living from your values, everything will work itself out.

Sure, you will have bad days, but don't make a bad day turn
into a bad week, month, or year.

Know how to get yourself out of a funk and always choose to

be happy.
Regret -5- How to overcome
 Don't forget, you only get one life. You get to make the most of it by
choosing happiness so you can experience life to the fullest.

 Surround yourself with good people who uplift you. Choose activities that
leave your body feeling energized rather than drained. Quit that job you
hate, drop the client who hassles you over little details.

 If you do find yourself getting caught in negative energy, stop what you're
doing, and move your body. Drop and do 10 push-ups. Get outside and
go for a short run or walk. Hit some weights. Do 10 jumping jacks.

 Movement is a great way to get out of your head and into your body, so
you can return to any activity feeling more centered. There will inevitably
be some moments where choosing happiness seems like the last choice
you want to make. But you can take some action and distract yourself in
a good way for a little bit.
Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose
Consciously, Choose wisely, Choose
honestly. Choose happiness.
 Think about the future… your legacy.

 Let me ask again… "What is the legacy you want to leave once your
time is up on this planet?"

 Is what you are doing today in alignment with that legacy?

 Remember, the more action you take, the more impact you can make.