A few years ago, back in my native English homeland, my dear step dad Jim was diagnosed with cancer and slowly became paralyzed; this in itself is a sad affair.

What saddened me most was one conversation we had shortly before he died. It was one Sunday after a family lunch when we were chatting and quizzing him about his life, he’d grown up in India as a young boy-solider before the Second World War. Such rich and vibrant memories, it moves me now recalling the love and passion he shared for those school days.

He married young, had a child, went to war, served his nation: Did as he was supposed to, Then, two years before retirement, was told he had only months to live.

The saddest part of it all is that he was full of regret. He sat there this Sunday saying I wish, I wish, I wish. He had never been back to India with his best buddy from school as he had planned for his retirement, he had not traveled, or dared to dream; he had an unlived bucket list too long to mention. It breaks my heart remembering his realization that it was over, no more time and only regrets.

This moving conversation inspired me to never repeat his words of regret. A year after he died I was booking a one-way ticket around the world when my company offered to move me to Toronto then New York and I accepted. I chose to live in new places rather than a quick visit.

Thanks dear Jim as you gave me wings and courage to dream, to say yes to life and live without regret. May you too learn to trust and fly, we have one life, use it well. No regrets or “I wishes” when it ends.

Love Life, Live Dreams and Share… The Love Doctor… John Hewson

Have you overcome regret in your own life? We’d love to hear about your experience and leave a comment.