- I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Friendships are a lifeline, yet they often fade under the weight of busy schedules. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates reflected in a 2023 commencement address: he learned too late that relationships and downtime are vital. “Take time to nurture your connections. Celebrate your wins. Recover from losses. Let the people around you do the same,” he urged. - I wish I had let myself be happier.
Happiness is a choice, yet many delay it, waiting for the “right moment” or the “perfect circumstances.” Ware observed that those who felt most at peace at the end had embraced joy, laughter, and freedom, regardless of life’s pressures.
The lesson is clear: life is finite, and the chance to choose is now. Pursue your passions, express your love, prioritize your relationships, and allow yourself to be truly happy. Waiting for permission—or the perfect moment—can mean leaving your dreams unrealized.
Takeaway: Life isn’t just something that happens to you—it’s something you consciously shape. Choose your path. Speak your truth. Embrace your joy. Don’t let regret be your final word.
Start today: reach out to a friend, take a step toward your dream, or simply do something that makes you smile. Life is yours—own it.