24 Regrets of People Who Are Dying - Matthew Kelly

Summary

This video discusses the top 24 regrets shared by people nearing the end of their lives, based on insights from hospice nurses. The regrets include wishing they had been more authentic, spent more time with loved ones, pursued personal dreams, traveled, and lived in the moment. Many regretted working too much, caring about others' opinions, or not taking better care of their health and relationships. The message encourages reflection on life’s priorities, suggesting that contemplating death can motivate us to focus on what truly matters and live more fully.

Takeaways

• 😌 I wish I had the courage to be myself.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 I wish I spent more time with the people I love.
• 🙏 I wish I made spirituality a higher priority.
• 💼 I wish I hadn't spent so much time working.
• 🎯 I wish I discovered my purpose earlier.
• 🗣 I wish I expressed my feelings more.
• 😰 I wish I hadn't worried about things that never happened.
• ⚖️ I wish I had taken more risks.
• 🙅‍♂️ I wish I cared less about what others thought.
• 😊 I wish I realized sooner that happiness is a choice.

Q & A

What is one of the most common regrets people have when they are dying?

One common regret is wishing they had the courage to be themselves instead of conforming to others' expectations.

Why do people regret not spending more time with loved ones?

People often realize too late that relationships and time with loved ones are more valuable than material success or achievements.

How do people reflect on spirituality near the end of their lives?

Many regret not making spirituality a priority earlier, as it brings a sense of meaning and peace.

What is a regret related to work-life balance?

A common regret is spending too much time working and not enough time enjoying life or being with loved ones.

How do people view their purpose in life when they are dying?

People often wish they had discovered their true purpose earlier in life, as it would have given them more fulfillment.

Why do people regret not expressing their feelings more?

They realize that holding back their emotions led to missed connections and unresolved relationships, which they wish they had addressed.

What do people regret about worrying too much?

Many regret spending excessive time worrying about things that never actually happened, realizing it wasted their energy.

What lesson do people learn about happiness at the end of their lives?

People often realize that happiness is a choice and regret not making that choice sooner.

Why do people wish they had taken more risks?

People regret playing it safe in life, recognizing that greater risks could have led to more meaningful experiences and personal growth.

How do thoughts about death inspire people to live differently?

Thinking about the inevitability of death can motivate people to focus on what truly matters and live a more fulfilling and present life.