I was reading an article the other day on the the top 5 regrets of dying people. I was not surprised in the least to find that no one said they wish they had worked longer hours (they did say that they hadn't worked so hard), spent less time with family or made less money. But I was still a little surprised by a couple of the things that made the list. Number one on the list was "I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me." That one hit home with me. Why do we feel that our entire lives must be lived to meet someone else's expectations? First our parents, then maybe teachers or our spouse or children. Why not just do what we want to do? I know the reasons we give--"I have to make a living." "Nobody would understand." "I just don't think I can." But I think the real reason is that we are afraid. I know several things I wish I'd done already in my life and didn't--because I was afraid to take the risk. There are things now that I want to do--but I'm afraid to take the risk. What if nobody else approves? Does it really matter? If the life we want to live is not illegal or immoral, why don't we go for it?
The last thing on the list was "I wish that I had let myself be happier." I think the two go hand in hand. Women especially feel they are to be martyrs. You know, do everything for everybody regardless of what we want. Why is that? Just go and be and do. Life is short and we have no promise of tomorrow. Let's take a chance at being happy...what do you say???
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