It's a simple four-step process:
- Accept all the people and situations I cannot control
- Accept that one thing I cannot control is that I might die at any moment
- Ask myself, "If I were on my deathbed, what would I wish I'd have done more of?"
- Start doing more of it
- I would not wish I'd have worked more hours
- I would not wish I'd have worried more
- I would not wish I'd have hung onto resentments longer and more strongly
- I would not wish I'd have taught more idiots lessons and proved I was right more often
- I would not wish I'd have acted more in line with society's expectations of me
- I would not wish I'd have accumulated more mementos, cars, gadgets, houses, and money
- I would not wish I'd have impressed more people whose opinion I don't value
Some things I WOULD regret on my deathbed:
- I would wish I'd have connected on a deeper level and more often with the Divine in the world
- I would wish I'd have connected on a deeper level and more often with my loved ones
- I would wish I'd have been kinder and more understanding to all people
- I would wish I'd have acted more on principles, and less on expediency
- I would wish I'd have believed in myself more
- I would wish I'd have lightened up more often and enjoyed the ride
- I would wish I'd have drawn clearer boundaries between my concerns and other people's concerns
- I would wish I had not hurt anyone unnecessarily
- I would wish I had lived a more meaningful and happy life
- I would wish I had gone for it and chased my dreams every day
The fact is, the last list above is not what I would regret, it's what I do regret.
What would you not give a damn about on your deathbed?
What would you wish you'd have done more of?
What do you regret?
Turn around your regrets, and you'll know your secret to life.
