Regrets often stem from missed opportunities, unspoken words, or choices that didn’t align with one’s true desires. They can weigh heavily, particularly at the end of life, when time to make amends or take action has run out.
Common regrets include not prioritizing relationships, failing to pursue personal dreams, or neglecting health and well-being.
These feelings often lead to a sense of longing for what could have been and can overshadow the positive aspects of a person’s life.
A hospice nurse with years of experience helping people in their final moments, has shared an eye-opening truth about what many people regret the most before they pass away.
Speaking with podcaster Rob Moore, Julie McFadden explained, “I wish I would have appreciated my health,” is the most common reflection she hears from those nearing the end of their lives.
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To internalize this lesson herself, Julie practices gratitude daily. She keeps a “gratitude list,” focusing on small yet powerful things that can often go unnoticed. “I like the fact that I can breathe, I’m walking around, I can feel the sunshine – little things like that,” she said.
Before transitioning to hospice care, Julie worked in the Intensive Care Unit, which gave her a unique perspective on life and death.
She believes it’s crucial for people to learn about the process of dying before they face it themselves or with a loved one.
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“I believe that people should know about the dying process before they’re actually going through it with a loved one or themselves,” she shared.
Julie also touched on a troubling aspect of end-of-life care in the United States: the financial burden. “Generally speaking, it helps to have money to die well which I think is really unfortunate,” she said, pointing out how access to quality hospice services can vary greatly depending on a person’s resources.
Her experiences and insights serve as a powerful reminder to value our health and approach the topic of death with greater understanding and awareness.
Hospices represent the final chapter of someone’s life, a reality that is difficult for many to face. Families and friends often grapple with the emotional weight of saying goodbye, knowing that their time with their loved one is limited.
Watching someone decline, even with compassionate care, can bring a profound sense of loss and helplessness. The atmosphere in hospices is often quiet and reflective, which can intensify feelings of grief and sorrow.
Though they aim to bring comfort, the inevitability of death makes hospices places where hope is redefined, focusing not on recovery but on finding peace in the time that remains.
Through her work, Julie encourages people to embrace gratitude and make the most of their time.
