Your Bucket List

• Are you making the most of today?
  
• Enjoying the day, the moment, and creating precious memories together?
  
• Have you done all those things you always say you want to do?
  
• Have you told those close to you that you love them?

Do those around you know what you want at your funeral service, and can answer such questions as what is your grandmother's maiden name?

Often when facing death we can forget about ourselves in an effort to make things ‘easier’ for those we will leave behind. We need to remember that by Telling our stories to others - the children, grandchildren, family – we are passing on who we are, what we have experienced and learned. Ensuring we leave a legacy

Making peace - with those people that are important to us - saying 'sorry', 'forgiving' those who have hurt us, - ensuring our own peace, even if you cannot meet with them, let them know.

There are many aspects to grief that we often choose to ignore, because let’s be honest, it is not a nice subject to think about.

Like making a will, it is often wise to gain the skills you need before you need them, please call to find out more about the services I offer.

Top Five Regrets of the dying from research by Australian palliative nurse, Bronnie Ware

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
'This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. 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.'

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.'

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.'

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
'Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.'

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
'This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.'

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