Ex-hospice care worker reveals the top 5 regrets people have when they die, which are often not realized until their final moments.

As they approach the end of their lives, individuals often ponder over actions they wish they had executed differently.

During a commencement speech at the University of Pennsylvania, oncologist Siddhartha Mukherjee stated that many people wished they had shown more love and forgiveness in their final words, and expressed their appreciation for the people in their lives.

According to Bronnie Ware, author of "The Top Five Regrets of the Dying" and a former palliative care worker who spent eight years providing aid to people with serious illnesses, many of which resulted in death, other people often regret not doing enough for themselves.

Last year, she shared her insights on the "big lesson" people could learn from the guilt and remorse expressed on deathbeds, based on her attention to the topic, on British radio program "The Chris Evans Breakfast Show." Her book highlights the five most common phrases she heard.

• I wish I had the courage to live a life authentic to myself, rather than the life others anticipated for me.
• I wish I hadn't worked so hard.
• I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
• I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
• I wish that I had let myself be happier.

The first regret is the one she heard the most often.

"According to Ware, when individuals reflect on their lives as they near the end, it becomes clear how many dreams have remained unfulfilled. Most people had not achieved even half of their dreams, leaving them to die with the regret of not having honored them."

To avoid a lifetime of regret, Ware advised prioritizing your own interests and happiness when making decisions, rather than following the wishes of your parents or loved ones.

Over 78% of U.S. workers are forfeiting vacation time and overworking themselves to advance their careers, according to a recent Harris Poll of 1,170 American workers.

Tending to your mental health and relationships becomes more challenging when you prioritize your job above all else, as Bill Gates learned the hard way during a commencement speech at Northern Arizona University last year.

Gates stated that when he was younger, he didn't believe in vacations, weekends, or the people he worked with taking time off. He didn't understand the importance of balancing work and life until he became a father.

"Don't delay learning this lesson as I did. Nurture your relationships, celebrate your successes, and recover from your losses. Take breaks when needed, and be understanding with those around you when they need it."

According to Ware, prioritizing your loved ones, pursuing your passions, and remaining authentic contribute to your overall happiness and life satisfaction.

She wrote in her blog post, and most people only realized it was too late.

Until the end, many failed to recognize that happiness is a choice. They remained trapped in outdated routines and behaviors. The illusion of comfort in familiarity infiltrated their feelings ... As they delved deeper, they yearned for genuine laughter and playfulness in their existence.

"Ware emphasized that life is a choice and it is up to individuals to make conscious, wise, and honest choices in order to find happiness."

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