“When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again.”

Here are the most common five:

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

“This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled.

“Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.”

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.

“This came from nearly every male patient. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Nearly all of the men I nursed regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of work.”

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.

“Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they felt they were never able to be themselves. Many developed illnesses relating to bitterness and resentment as a result.”

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

“Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let important friendships slip away. There were many deep regrets about not giving their friendships enough time and effort.”

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

“This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is largely a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. 

The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending that they were content, when deep within, they longed for laughter and silliness.”

Which of these will you feel on your deathbed?