Palliative Care Nurse Shares What Patients Regretted Most When They Were Dying

Palliative care nurse, aptly named Georgina Scull, is a healthcare worker who's built a career dedicated to helping her patients navigate the often frightening final three months of their life.

In her book, "Regrets of the Dying," she captures some of these ultimate experiences, sharing the invaluable pieces of advice that these departing individuals impart to those they're leaving behind. This is because hindsight, looking back on things, often provides us with a clearer understanding.

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Maybe a bit somber, but sometimes having a touch of darkness can help us see the brightness in our own path.

At the top of the list was the desire to have been brave enough to follow their own dreams, rather than just doing what others expected from them.

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"This was the most common regret of all," said Georgina - and you can see why.

Quoting the well-known words of the late Frank Sinatra, having the ability to say 'I did it my way' holds significance.

She goes on to add: "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, or not made.

“Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it."

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So, after gaining some much-needed insight, let's move on to the next regret on the list: "I wish I hadn't worked so hard."

Here's a nod to all those who are putting in overtime, managing multiple jobs to pay bills, or just trying to make things work.

The nurse pointed out that this regret was often spoken by male patients, as she explained. "All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence."

We're not here to advise you to quit your job – Beyoncé's got that covered – but we'd like to suggest that if you can avoid carrying your work stress home, it could greatly benefit you.

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Moving on to the next point: "I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings."

The author noted: "Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others."

“As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result."

So, here's a sign for you: stop holding back, don't make your feelings small just to make others comfortable – it doesn't help anyone.

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Now, moving to the fourth regret: "I wish I'd stayed in touch with my friends."

"Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years," the nurse wrote.

"There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying."

You know, we often find ourselves missing our friends even after a short vacation. If it's been a long time, consider sending a text to your close pals.

Now, let's move to the fifth and final regret?

"I wish I had let myself be happier."

This might sound easy, but according to the nurse, it's "surprisingly common," which is quite sad when you stop and reflect on it.

"Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to themselves, that they were content, when deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again," Georgia wrote.

And there you go – live life for yourself, don't overwork, express your emotions, stay connected with friends, and allow yourself to experience happiness.