We all know that death is inevitable, yet few of us truly live with that awareness. A death doula once shared the reflections of those nearing the end of their lives—their regrets 😞, joys 😊, and moments of peace 🕊️.
Their words stayed with me, reminding me that when the time comes, 💰 money won’t bring comfort, and missed opportunities can weigh heavier than any burden we carried in life.
To die well, we must first live well. Here’s how:
1️⃣ The Lessons of the Dying 💡
What do people say when they know their time is up?
💔 Many regret not expressing love more freely—not telling their children, partners, or friends how much they meant to them.
😢 Some wish they had forgiven sooner, realizing grudges only took up space where joy could have been.
✅ 📖 Example: A woman in hospice admitted she spent years chasing wealth, only to realize that her most cherished memories weren’t tied to money but to simple moments—Sunday dinners 🍽️, laughter with friends 😂, and quiet walks with her mother 🚶🏾♀️.
2️⃣ Living Fully, Day by Day 🌅
Tomorrow isn’t promised—so what are we waiting for?
⏳ People often delay happiness, saying:
➡️ “I’ll travel when I retire.” ✈️
➡️ “I’ll start enjoying life after I reach this milestone.” 🎓
😞 But many never get there.
💃🏾 Living fully means embracing joy in the now—savoring a morning coffee ☕, calling a friend 📞 just to chat, or dancing 💃🏽 even when no one is watching.
✅ 📖 Example: A man diagnosed with a terminal illness spent his last months visiting old friends 👫, making peace with estranged loved ones 🕊️, and watching the sunrise every morning 🌄. He said he felt more alive in those months than in his previous ten years.
3️⃣ The Illusion of Wealth vs. True Happiness 💰➡️❤️
Money provides comfort, but does it bring peace?
💼 On their deathbeds, few people wish they had worked more hours or made more money. Instead, they wish they had spent more time being present.
💖 True wealth is in experiences—deep conversations 🗣️, watching your child take their first steps 👣, feeling the sun on your skin ☀️, or laughing so hard your stomach hurts 😂.
✅ 📖 Example: A successful businessman with a large estate regretted missing his son’s childhood. His biggest realization?
“I bought him everything but gave him nothing.”
4️⃣ Creating Memories, Not Just Milestones 📸
Your life isn’t measured in achievements—it’s measured in moments.
🏆 People often chase promotions, titles, or social status, but in the end, it’s not accolades that bring comfort—it’s the small, heartfelt experiences.
💡 Making memories means:
✔️ Prioritizing experiences over perfection 🛶
✔️ Saying yes to spontaneous adventures 🎒
✔️ Cherishing time with loved ones ❤️
✅ 📖 Example: A grandmother nearing the end of her life didn’t talk about her career successes, but about the summers she spent teaching her grandkids to bake cookies 🍪.
“That’s the stuff that matters,” she said with a smile. 😊
5️⃣ Dying Without Regrets 🏁
What does it mean to die well?
💭 It means living in a way that, when your time comes, you have no major “what ifs” hanging over you.
💬 It means saying what you need to say, loving deeply, forgiving freely, and taking the risks that align with your soul.
✅ 📖 Example: A woman who had always dreamed of being an artist 🎨 finally picked up a paintbrush at 70. She passed away at 80 with a room full of paintings 🖼️ and a heart full of peace.
“I may not have started young, but I started,” she said.
Final Thoughts: Living Now So We Can Die Well 🌟
We don’t get to choose when we die, but we do get to choose how we live.
⏳ Every day is an opportunity to:
✔️ Embrace joy 😄
✔️ Let go of fear 🙌🏾
✔️ Create a life that—when we look back—we can say was truly well-lived ✨.
💭 Ask yourself:
If today were my last day, would I feel at peace?
🤔 If not, what small changes can I make to live more fully right now?
