37 Things Dying People Say They Regret

We make countless important decisions that define who we are and as we grow older we often look back and realize that we didn’t always make the best choices. Sometimes we take corrective action, but sometimes we become complacent. “I’ll do it later!” becomes a routine excuse and before we know it, there’s no more “later.”

If you want to live life to the fullest and with as few regrets as possible, listen to the wisdom of those with scarce time remaining. Start living the life that you deserve before it’s too late.

1. Not traveling when you had the chance.Fanpop

As you get older, more people depend on you and your day-to-day responsibilities grow. And as your family grows, so do your travel expenses.

2. Not learning another language.Essential Travel

Maybe you took some language courses while you were in school, but did you ever put it to good use? Learning other languages will allow you to discover whole new worlds!

3. Staying in a bad relationship.StarCentral

Don’t drag out the inevitable. It’s not good for anyone and it just gets harder over time.

4. Foregoing sunscreen.CookieSound

Aside from sunburn, you may not think it’s a big deal. But wrinkles, moles, and skin cancer can creep up on you without notice.

5. Missing the chance to see your favourite musicians.DJ Warehouse Training

Stop missing these rare opportunities to build memories that you will cherish. Plus, you never know when that band will break up.

6. Being afraid to do things.
Royal Sun Dubai

When you do things outside of your comfort zone, you truly grow and your outlook on life changes.

7. Failing to make physical fitness a priority.
Boston University

We take our physical fitness for granted. You might think it’s “normal” to be a couch potato as you get older, but it doesn’t have to be.

8. Letting yourself be defined by gender roles.Stanford

You are the only one who can define yourself.

9. Not quitting a terrible job.
Get To Work

You need money but do you really want to be miserable for most of your waking hours? Find another job and find it now.

10. Not trying harder in school.
Connected Learning

Not only do better grades open up doors for more opportunities, but this is your chance to just absorb so much incredible material.

11. Not realizing how beautiful you are.Lies Young Women Believe

We spend too much time being insecure about our looks. When you grow older and look at photos of your youth, you’ll realize how ridiculous you were for ever thinking badly about yourself.

12. Being afraid to say “I love you.”National Post

Give love with no expectations and seek no rewards. You say it because you mean it.

13. Not listening to your parents’ advice.Huffington Post

Never underestimate experience. The world may have changed a lot, but their advice is still invaluable.

14. Spending your youth being self-absorbed.All Women Stalk

When reality sets in and you realize that you aren’t the centre of the universe, it will be very hard to recalibrate with the rest of society.

15. Caring too much about what other people think.The Times

At the end of the day, your happiness depends on yourself, not “other people.”

16. Supporting the dreams of others over your own.
The Hindu

It’s good to be nice to others, but not if it means sacrificing your own happiness.

17. Not moving on fast enough.
Prevention

Time spent dwelling on the past is time that could have been spent moving towards a brighter future.

18. Holding grudges, especially against those you love.Dig Deep Thinker

It is pointless negativity that weighs heavily on your shoulders.

19. Not standing up for yourself.She Knows

Learn to maintain your dignity and self-respect.

20. Not volunteering enough.
New Generation Haiti

When you grow older, you may find yourself pondering many lives you’ve touched and what you’ve done for this world.

21. Neglecting your teeth.
Bill Frymire

I know everyone hates flossing, but can you imagine what it’s like losing your teeth and getting dentures?

22. Missing the chance to talk to your grandparents before they die.
Quia

Your time with them is scarce. Cherish them and learn about your family.

23. Working too much.
Hilltop Family Dental

You might think that if you work hard now, you can reap the benefits later, but before you know it, you’re too old to do the things that you enjoy and you realize how much time you could

24. Not learning how to cook one good meal.
Huffington Post

It makes social gathering that much more special and that feeling of accomplishment is wonderful!

25. Not stopping to appreciate the moment.
Bits Are Cheap

The world is becoming increasingly fleeting. Sometimes, when you stop and take it all in, you’ll realize just how incredible the moment really is.

26. Failing to finish what you start.Live Different

Stop making excuses and achieve your goals. You don’t want to look back and think about all the things that could have been.

27. Never mastering one awesome party trick.Jason Alan Magic

It may seem a bit silly, but you’ll treasure the memories you have of being in the spotlight.

28. Letting yourself be defined by cultural expectations.
Ebony

Never let anyone tell you what you just can’t do that. Dream big and dream without restraint.

29. Refusing to let friendships run their course.
Elizabeth Street

The reality is that people grow apart. Friendships should be natural, not forced. If you cling to the past, you can do more damage than good.

30. Not playing with your children enough.
Play With Your Family

Kids grow up fast. You’ll be shocked at how quickly they go from want to playing with you to wanting a lock on their bedroom door.

31. Never taking a big risk (especially in love).MyFreeWallpapersHub

Sometimes we have to take that leap of faith or else we’ll live the rest of our lives wondering “what if?”

32. Not taking the time to develop contacts and network.
Chatelaine

It may seem boring and ridiculous when you’re young, but developing your network will open up all kinds of doors that you didn’t even know existed.

33. Worrying too much.
Pakistan Bridal

We worry far too much about things that are beyond our control. It’s pointless.

34. Getting caught up in needless drama.
ParentDish

It’s an absolute waste of time. Fill your life with positivity.

35. Not spending enough time with loved ones.
Modern Family

I can’t stress this enough: don’t take the time you with loved ones for granted. Life is short.

36. Never performing in front of others.Groupon

This may not be for everyone, but sometimes we look back and wonder what it would have been like to stand in front of a large audience with all eyes gazing upon you.

37. Not being grateful sooner.
Ryan Rush

It may not be easy to see right now but as you grow older, it becomes clearer that everything and every moment is an amazing gift. We are truly lucky for what we have.

Please share this with the people that you love. You might end up saving their lives.


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