Top 5 things people regret when they're dying

From the Guardian:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/feb/01/top-five-regrets-of-the-dying

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
The main theme here is people not doing what they really wanted to do when they were healthy enough to do them.
In an increasingly "interdependent society", it is easy to get the idea that life was either following others or leading others - both actions which have "others" in them, meaning that you will have to adopt the values of others. But that's not the problem - the problems come when the values clash and your values are not fulfilled.

2. I wish I hadn't worked so hard.
The article says that many men have lamented this. I agree. While one is working too hard, it may feel like there is no choice except this.

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
I wish they generalized this into "I wish I had the courage to communicate better with other people". Settling with the limited choices provided by poor communication, one confines themselves in life.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Give your friendships the time and effort they deserve.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
I believe it is a GOD-GIVEN right for all human beings to pursue happiness. Yet it is up to us to choose happiness, just as one must choose to exercise their civil rights.

The article can be best summarized as "Find and fulfill your self-interest" - before it is too late!

Relating back to "exchange", I think it is the fastest way to learn these lessons. I think I would have regretted some of the above if I died last semester too. Right now, I am happy.