Today’s post truly is about how we live, but I did take my cues directly from Susie Steiner’s online article in the Guardian about Australian-born palliative nurse, Bronnie Ware and Ware’s book, “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying”.

You see, after numerous, but unfulfilling, adventurous twists and turns in her life, Ware spent time taking care of folks who were dying. Those experiences led her to blogging and eventually to sharing the thoughts and regrets of those she was helping, along with her personal journey, in her book.

Both her work and their thoughts are touching and valuable, which led me to turn them into “Guidelines for Life”, since all of us reading them still have time to act on them!

Here are my “Guidelines for Life” fashioned from the”The Top Five Regrets” Ware shared in her book and Steiner outlined in her article.

1. Have the courage to live a life true to yourself, not one shaped by that others expect of you.  Not doing so is the number one regret Ware reported in her book.
2. Don’t focus time and energy on your career to the exclusion of your children, spouse or significant other. Ware notes that this was one of the top regrets of men. (Most of the folks Ware nursed were from a generation in which men were the primary breadwinners.)
3. Find the courage to express your feelings. Don’t keep silent about issues and people who truly matter to you; let folks know you care and where you stand. Silence can lead to confusion, resentment, and bitterness.
4. Stay in touch with your friends. Continue to seek ways and find the time to connect with those your care about throughout your entire life.
5. Let yourself be happy, even silly. Happiness is a choice, choose it.

For tips on how to craft your life around courage, being true to yourself, and creating rich and rewarding relationships browse through the past Wishful Thinking Works posts or start following Wishful Thinking Works today. No reason to live a life of regret, when creating the life you really want is always an option.

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