What You Never Did: The Top 3 Regrets of the Dying
March 1, 2012 By John R. Vermillion & Associates, LLC
A nurse in Australia recently wrote a book detailing her experiences in dealing with the dying and coming to understand what they regretted the most. Though it can be hard to contemplate such thoughts, we can all benefit by learning from those who have faced their own mortality and understanding what it is they regretted so we might be able to avoid such regrets when our own time comes.
Regret 1: You never lived your own life.
The most common regret that the dying express was that they had let others choose what they wanted. When people have their own wishes and their own dreams, failing to pursue those dreams is often the most troubling of regrets because they realize they let someone else essentially live their lives for them.
Regret 2: You worked too much.
Men expressed this regret most of all. When your work so encompasses your life so that you missed important events, this can continue for years afterwards. Missing the important moments in your family's lives, especially during the tender years of your child's life, is something you will never be able to get back.
Regret 3: You lost track of your friends.
Friends move on and grow apart. One of the most common regrets expressed by the time of that they allowed their strong friendships fade away over time. Elderly people are especially vulnerable to such regrets as fewer and fewer people they know are around them in their declining years.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John Vermillion
Experienced estate planning attorneys Dallas TX of the John R. Vermillion & Associates, LLC offers estate planning and business planning resources to residents of Dallas TX.
Copyright John R. Vermillion & Associates, LLC
More information about John R. Vermillion & Associates, LLC
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
The most common regret that the dying express was that they had let others choose what they wanted. When people have their own wishes and their own dreams, failing to pursue those dreams is often the most troubling of regrets because they realize they let someone else essentially live their lives for them.
Regret 2: You worked too much.
Men expressed this regret most of all. When your work so encompasses your life so that you missed important events, this can continue for years afterwards. Missing the important moments in your family's lives, especially during the tender years of your child's life, is something you will never be able to get back.
Regret 3: You lost track of your friends.
Friends move on and grow apart. One of the most common regrets expressed by the time of that they allowed their strong friendships fade away over time. Elderly people are especially vulnerable to such regrets as fewer and fewer people they know are around them in their declining years.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John Vermillion
Experienced estate planning attorneys Dallas TX of the John R. Vermillion & Associates, LLC offers estate planning and business planning resources to residents of Dallas TX.
Copyright John R. Vermillion & Associates, LLC
More information about John R. Vermillion & Associates, LLC
View all articles published by John R. Vermillion & Associates, LLC
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
