When people come to the end of their life there are a number of common regrets which surface. Here are a list of 30 regrets people may have about the way they have lived their life:

1. Less Traveled

People wish they had traveled more. Big trips with friends and family – to Disney, Paris, or even to the cottage are things that are remembered later in life. [1,3]

2. Never learned another language

This would make all of those vacations even better by immersing us in a whole new culture.[1,3]

3. Relationship regrets

Staying in a bad romantic relationship or failing to end friendships when they’ve grown apart is a cause for disappointment.[1]

On the other hand, others often lament they let their marriage breakdown or lost touch with good friends over the years.[2,3]

4. Allowed fear to stop them from trying something.

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5. Overlooked their health

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• Did not maintain a good diet and exercise routine

Find the best diet for you based on your DNA, and try these 7-minute exercises.

• Neglected their teeth

• Did not use sunscreen

As we get older wrinkles manifest, but even worse is the danger of skin cancer.

6. Stayed in a toxic or stagnant job

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7. Education

People often wish they had not dropped out of high school or had completed a college or university degree. [3]

8. Were unhappy with themselves.

People waste too much time being concerned about body image or looks. [1]

9. Said “I love you� too rarely.

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10. Didn’t listen to the advice their parents gave them.

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11. Were self-absorbed.

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12. Supported others while neglecting themselves.

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13. Took too long to move on from past failures.

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14. Held a grudge.

Life is too short, especially to let years go by without speaking to a beloved family member or friend over a simple misunderstanding.[1]

15. Didn’t stand up for themselves.

This one may go all the way back to the time you allowed yourself to be bullied in grade school[1]

16. Lack of volunteering in the community.

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17. Never found out their history through grandparents.

Unfortunately, some memories are gone once your loved ones pass away. Jot down or record some family stories to reminisce over and pass on to younger generations.[1]

18. A workaholic

Not only is your enjoyment of life impinged on, but family and friendships suffer too. It’s much more fulfilling to have a good work-life balance.[3]

19. Failed to stop and smell the roses.

Going through life being too serious and never knowing how to have fun or find humor in everyday life is no fun! [1,3]

20. Never finished what they started.

You lose the sense of accomplishment if you give up on everything without following through.[1]

21. Got involved with the wrong group of friends.

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22. Parenting guilt.

Guilt that they did not spend enough time playing with the kids or didn’t teach them enough is very common. Kids remember your presence more than your presents. [1,2,3]

23. Cared too much about what others thought.

This is a biggie. Many wish they had the self-confidence and courage to live life without trying to live up to the expectations of others. Parents, gender roles, and cultural expectations often keep us from living the life we desire.[1,3]

24. Spent too much time on phones and computers.

Folks are constantly checking email and social media to the point where it can take away from quality time with family and friends.[2,3]

25. Took people for granted.

We are often the kindest to strangers and the unkind to those we love the most. Remember they may not always be around. Make them feel as special as they make you feel.  [2]

26. Didn’t trust gut instincts.

Hindsight is 20/20. Maybe you’ve had a feeling that you ignored and later it turned out you were right.  [2]

27. Put off seeing their favorite band on tour.

Everyone knows bands break up, stop touring or worse, a member passes away. We often procrastinate and think we will do something next year, but it never happens.[1]

28. Didn’t follow their passion.

This could be related to education, career, travel, or love. Maybe instead of applying for that dream job you chose a practical job instead. Or perhaps you still regret asking that girl to the prom all those years ago and it still haunts you. [2,3]

29. Lack of courage to get up and talk at a funeral, wedding or another important event. [3]

30. Didn’t make time to visit a dying friend before he died or got too ill.

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The good news is — you’re still here! Start making your bucket list now to enjoy the time you have with the ones you love before it’s too late. For further inspiration, check out some advice from this 24-year-old terminal cancer patient.

 

The post 30 Things People Regret Most Often When They’re Older appeared first on The Hearty Soul.