Last week we looked at the biggest regret of the dying (Part 1).These top five regrets were gleaned from a palliative care specialist (R Kelly) and although they are common sense, they are unfortunately not always common practise. Many of us subconciously seem to believe that we will live forever and so make decissions based on that illusion. When those who were close to death were asked what they regretted most about their lives, common themes repeatedly surfaced. Let’s see if you’ve guessed what #2 is, so we can take Key Steps to overcome it…
#2 – I wish I hadn’t worked so hard
I wish I hadn’t worked so hard. This came from every male patient that Kelly nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
Are you guilty of this one? Do you spend more time at the office than you do with your loved ones?
I know I am guilty of this. I love my work and because it doesn’t feel like work, I can sometimes forget to draw the line. I can easily fall into the trap of neglecting myself at the expense of putting energy into my work or studies or giving to others. This might suit me at times, but does it suit those I care about?
Let’s commit to keeping the balance that we know is healthy for us and make enough time for those we love and care about. By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income (or habits and activities) that you think you do. And maybe you can simply work smarter and not harder? By simplifying your life, you can create more space in your life, become happier and more open to new opportunities and maybe even ones more suited to your new lifestyle. It’s up to you to take Key Steps to…
