Reflect for a minute on the people close to you who have passed away. Did they die happy? Do you think they were completely satisfied with their life? Recently I spoke to a close friend about his mother who had died and asked if he thought she had died completely fulfilled with her life. Sadly, he responded no, and then he talked about the strained relationship between his parents that was never healed. Regrettably, his mother passed away without having the courage to talk to her husband about her feelings of hurt and despair and thus the relationship stagnated and resulted in an unfulfilling life that ended with regrets and sorrow. Let’s not let that happen to us! Today we will continue to explore what we can do to ensure when we die, we are ready to go peacefully with the knowledge that we lived a full and satisfying life.
Leave no regrets is the second secret found in the book “Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die” by John Izzo. Leaving no regrets means living everyday to its fullest by accepting the fact that it may be your last. This means, if there is something you must do or must say or a relationship you must mend before you die, do it now!! We live in a very unpredictable world where we could pass away at anytime. Realizing that our time is limited and may come to an end suddenly develops a true sense of urgency and will help us live in a way where we will leave no regrets. Truly accepting the fact that life could end at any moment produces action.
Living with no regrets also means we learn to forgive ourselves and forgive others when things go wrong. This means we let go of mistakes made in the past and try to do better moving forward. Holding on to regrets, grudges, or mistakes will only rob us of living a peaceful, happy, and fulfilling life.
Leaving no regrets also includes risking more and stretching ourselves. One of the greatest regrets from many who are dying is that they did not take more risks in life but instead “played it too safe.” For example, my friend’s mom never had the courage to stand up to her husband and express her true feelings and in order to work through their relationship and make it stronger. Thus, she died with regrets. Doing what we love and finding new paths to get through life is risky but rewarding. Learning to overcome fears and take risks will help us leave no regrets and be true to ourselves. This will result in a happier more satisfying life.
So realize your time could end at any moment, forgive yourself and others, take risks, and live life without regrets!
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