What's the biggest regret people have on their deathbed?

Actually a palliative care nurse has been quite successful in answering this very question!

Bronnie Ware was an Australian nurse who rose to fame through her blog Inspiration and Chai, which was all about collecting the regrets and "dying euphonies" of the elderly patients in her care.

She then turned the blog into a best-selling book, listing the 'top 5' regrets that people had on their death bed:

1.  I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself - not the life others expected me to live.

2. I wish I hadn't worked so hard.

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

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

I really think we can learn a lot from the concepts encapsulated in these 5 points, and I hope anyone that reads this answer thinks about what they could do to make their life more fulfilling.

Some others common regrets are:

Not having a family when they had the opportunity.

Wishing they would have spent more time with the family they had instead of working or pursuing hobbies.

Not telling someone they loved them which goes hand and hand with expressing feelings. Many people claim they wish they would have told a romantic interest, friends or family they loved them or told them more often.

Not appreciating what they had, never feeling satisfied or seeing the blessings right in front of them.

Traveled. SO many people wish they would have been able to see the world, beautiful places, meet people and experience different cultures.

Tried something you always wanted to do like skiing, climbing a mountain, or for some people learning how to swim! They wish they would have tried things they were afraid of.

Been a nicer person! Yep! A lot of people say they wish they would have been nicer to others.

Not hold grudges. Life is too short! Many people have become estranged from their family over issues that don't mean much of anything when they are dying. They think of all the time that went by they could of been spending with their family they stopped seeing due to a grudge. Same goes with friends.

Last but not least- Having regrets! Many aging and dying people wish they would have lived a much easier and peaceful life of gratitude had they not had regrets!

The best way to look at it is to think of what you would feel when you have a loved one who's passing. What would you wish you would have done if you had the opportunity to do it over again.

Knowing these things are a great way to make sure you are not one of those people! :)