What would you guess are the top five regrets she’s heard from people on their deathbed? Before you read her list at the bottom of this post, make a guess of what you think they might be. Here was my guess:

1. I wish I’d exercised, eaten better, and taken care of myself.
2. I wish I’d been more generous with those in my life.
3. I wish I’d spent more time focusing on my spiritual life and sense of meaning.
4. I wish I’d met my soulmate.
5. I wish I’d tried that thing I always imagined doing but gave up on in my midlife (scuba diving, writing a memoir, living in a foreign country, etc...).
   

Turns out, I was wrong on all five answers. Here’s Bronnie’s list, which is much better researched than mine:

1. I wish I’d lived a life true to myself, not the life that others expected of me.
2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings more.
4. I wish I’d stayed in touch with friends.
5. I wish I allowed myself to be happier.
   

Here’s to living an authentic, playful, courageous, connected and happy life with no regrets!