WOW Word-Of-the-Week #400: Lifestyle

April 5, 2012 by · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #400: Lifestyle 

Lifestyle – a way of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person.

Do you wish anything in your life were different? Do you have any unfulfilled dreams? Do you ever feel disappointed about choices you have or have not made?

This is the second of three WOW’s featuring excerpts from Bronnie Ware’s book, “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying – A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing.”

“2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.

This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.

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.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.”

This week’s focus is on your lifestyle. Are you living a life that reflects your attitudes and values? Are you spending quality time with your family? Are you expressing how you feel? Do you have the courage to make changes even if it means others may not be happy by that choice?

Reader Responses

“Just wanted to let you know that these are really cool!  I have enjoyed both of the Wow’s from Bronnie Ware’s book and cant’ wait for the third.  Thank you for sharing this with your readers.” – Amy

“I have had people ask when I plan to write another book. Or, I should be writing some kind of blog or beginning The Great American Novel. I tell them that my most important job RIGHT NOW is to spend time helping my wife raise our two daughters. Spending these precious years watching them grow and learn is the most important thing I can do with my life. Fortunately, the job I have allows me to help my wife and to spend time with my girls. I drop the girls at school in the morning and pick up my younger girl after work. I can have dinner with them, read to them and help with homework. When the girls get older and begin spending more time with their friends, that is when I can probably concentrate on a next book, novel or blog. By that time, there will have been a shakeout in the communications technology in our world, and who knows what opportunities for future works will unfold. As a result, I am raising my girls with no regret, knowing that I have contributed to their lives in meaningful ways. The vacation time I have accumulated has allowed me to go places with my wife and girls and watch the joy of their discoveries. I am so lucky at this point of my life not to have to miss these special times. I don’t think other people I know realize how lucky I am. Life is sooooo goooood. Thanks, Susan. It is so nice not to have regrets. Have a wonderful Easter. Take care.” – “Warrior” Joe