Not Going on Holiday Is Most Common Regrets People Have On Their Deathbeds
‘I Wish I Hadn’t Gone on That Holiday’, Said No One Ever: A Few Words on Life
It doesn’t matter whether you're perfectly healthy or have some kind of disability, I see it all the time: too many people are not making the most of their time on this planet.
No time. No money. Too afraid. Not capable. “I can’t because of XYZ”.
We Love to Find Reasons Not to Do the Things We Enjoy Most
And sure, there are moments in life where time, money, and health can be real issues, simply making it impossible to do the things we want. Like playing around with your sister like a child. Or going on holiday with your loved ones. Or trying something crazy like diving or paragliding.
But often enough, it’s not any real exterior reason that’s stopping us from living a worthwhile life. It’s us. It’s us telling ourselves we can’t or we shouldn’t.
What People Regret Most on Their Deathbeds
Did you know that some of the most common regrets people have on their deathbeds are:
- Not having lived true to oneself
- Working too much
- Not expressing feelings
- Not staying in touch with friends
- Not taking care of one's health
- Not allowing oneself to be happier
- Not forgiving
- Not travelling more
As you can see, it’s not material things. It’s people, experiences, and emotions.
Crazy David’s Secret Formula to a Happy Life
It’s actually quite logical: if, at the end of your life, you add up all the happy moments and all the unhappy or dull moments, and the balance is positive, then you’ve lived an overall happy life. If the dull moments outweigh the happy ones, you’ve lived a life somewhat out of balance.
Contrary to what many people think, happiness is not a fleeting state or an ultimate goal you have to strive for somewhere at the end of your life. Forget the pursuit of happiness as the ultimate emotion. Instead, aim to fill your life with as many happy moments as possible. Maybe not every day — I have absolute pig days too — but overall.
Are You Doing All You Can to Live a Happy Life?
The good news is, if you’re reading this, you’re still in time to make up for some happy moments. But first, let’s assess your current happiness score. Choose any time span you like, e.g., the past week from Monday to Sunday, last month, or the last five years. Now ask yourself if during this period you were overall happy or less so?
Trust your initial intuition. You’ll then instantly recall certain moments that justify your answer.
My Vision Is to Enable Unforgettable, Happy Moments for You and Your Loved Ones
Unfortunately, I can’t make everyone happy. In fact, I can’t make anyone happy. You’re making yourself happy. By becoming aware of the fact that you deserve to do fun things, go on adventures, spend time with the ones you love, you’re allowing yourself to live happy moments.
I’m just here to open up more opportunities for you and your loved ones to enjoy yourselves. A carefree family holiday on the beach can turn into the favourite memory of a child with autism. A tour through the lava fields can be a dream come true for an adventurer in a wheelchair. And scuba-diving in the blue Atlantic Ocean can give you a unique sense of freedom.
Sharing my own happiness and Lanzarote’s endless beauty and opportunities for people with disabilities, that’s my vision.
