Bronnie Ware, a palliative care nurse, deeply impacted by her patients’ last reflections, identified five regrets common at life’s end. These include:
- “I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.”
- “I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.”
- “I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.”
- “I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.”
- “I wish that I had let myself be happier.”
Link for listeners: You can read the original article, Regrets of the Dying, by Bronnie Ware here: [Regrets of the Dying – Bronnie Ware]
bronnieware.com
3. Research & Psychology Insights
Living Intentionally Enhances Well-Being
- Setting Intentions = Better Health & Happiness
A 2021 study by Eric S. Kim and colleagues finds that people with clear intentions or a “micro purpose” experience longer life, better sleep, more happiness, and less loneliness
Psychology Today. - Intentional Kindness Amplifies Joy
A 2023 study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General by Kumar and Epley showed that performing small acts of kindness brings more happiness to recipients than givers expect
Psychology Today.
Paths to a Good Life
- Three Dimensions of Well-Being
Contemporary research by Oishi and colleagues outlines three major paths to a “good life”:- Happy Life: marked by joy and comfort
- Meaningful Life: rooted in purpose and connection
- Psychologically Rich Life: built on novelty, transformation, and managing discomfort
- A psychologically rich life, though sometimes disquieting, can be deeply rewarding.
The Washington Post
Your Citations in Summary
- Bronnie Ware’s regrets:
Wikipedia
bronnieware.com - Link to her article:
bronnieware.com - Intentional living benefits:
Psychology Today - Good life dimensions:
The Washington Post - PERMA model:
Wikipedia - Broaden-and-build theory:
Wikipedia - Gratitude and joy research:
Verywell Mind
SELF
The Washington Po
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