“Knowledge of what makes a life happy and purposeful means little if this knowledge is not translated into action. Knowing and going. We must do both.”
John Izzo
In a thought provoking study, author John Izzo interviewed many elderly people to determine “The Five Secrets you Must Discover Before You Die.” Though what he learned is not all that shocking, the book provides a great reminder to what is most important while we are here on this earth. Living these secrets, the author argues, will result in a happy and fulfilled life.
Secret # 1—Be true to yourself
Is it really any surprise that people near death list being true to oneself as a secret to happiness? As we are true to ourselves, we live with confidence and fulfillment—knowing that what we are doing is in harmony with who we are.
Secret #2—Leave no regrets
Leaving no regrets is about taking risks and conquering fear. As we extend ourselves and dare to be more than we think we can be, we almost always feel an intrinsic sense of satisfaction regardless of our results. As one interviewee put it, “[you must] have the discipline to listen to your heart, and then have the courage to follow.”
Secret #3—Become Love
Learning to love oneself as well as others is truly what brings happiness in life. Above any other thing we can possibly gain in this life, almost always, relationships are what are most important to a person at his or her deathbed. Learning to nurture relationships and setting them as a high priority in life is of utmost importance to a rewarding life.
Secret #4—Live the moment
Too often we get caught up in dwelling on the past or thinking about the future that we fail to fully enjoy the present. When we learn to see the good in the present and give thanks for what we have, we begin to enjoy our life. A valuable lesson is realizing that time is fleeting and tomorrow never comes.
Secret #5—Give more than you take
Concentrating on others rather than yourself produces feelings of love and charity that cannot be matched. One interviewee summed it up simply that “happiness comes from serving others.” When we discover this secret and give more of ourselves, life instantly improves.
Now knowing these five secrets is simply not enough; because though most of us could have guessed the majority of them before we heard them, very few people actually do them. One of the most meaningful parts of this book is toward the end when the author offers advice on how to apply these secrets into our lives. His ideas and strategies are unique and simple and add value to those who are truly driven and passionate about changing their lives. Applying these secrets is the key.
Lastly, the author discovered the greatest fear of those near death is not the fear of dying itself but rather the fear of “not having truly lived.” May we discover and live these five secrets in our lives so we can “truly live”! This my goal and my hope and desire for us all!
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