There’s a piece of research that has stayed with me for years. Palliative care nurses around the world were asked the same question: What do people regret most when they know their time is near? Their answers were heartbreakingly consistent. Across cultures, ages, and backgrounds, the same themes appear again and again; these are the top regrets of the dying…
“I wish I’d lived a life true to myself, not the life others expected.”
“I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.”
“I wish I’d expressed my feelings.”
“I wish I’d stayed in touch with the people who mattered.”
“I wish I’d allowed myself to be happier.”
These regrets aren’t dramatic. They’re human. They’re the things we all feel — but often push aside until it’s too late.
And so I’ve been thinking…what if we didn’t wait until the end to ask these questions? What if we looked at our lives honestly, and with a little more courage now?
That’s what this ‘Life Audit’ is for. Not to fix everything overnight. Not to shame or overwhelm. But simply to help you notice where you’re craving more truth, connection, freedom, joy, or presence — and to honour that longing in small, doable ways.
Take your time working through these prompt questions…
The Life Audit Checklist
1. Authenticity Audit — “Am I living in alignment with who I truly am?”
Am I doing anything purely to please others?
What feels heavy or forced right now?
Where do I feel most me?
What part of myself have I been hiding?
What one truth am I ready to express this month?
2. Work & Time Audit — “Is my life filled with what actually matters to me?”
Does my schedule match my values, or my obligations?
What is draining me that I can reduce or let go?
What moments am I missing because I’m constantly ‘on’?
Do I have enough unstructured time to think, rest, create, or simply be?
When was the last time I paused?
3. Emotional Honesty Audit — “Am I expressing what I feel and need?”
Have I swallowed any feelings to keep the peace?
Is there a conversation I’ve been avoiding?
Where do I need boundaries?
Do I move too quickly past my own emotions?
What’s one thing I can express more honestly this week?
4. Relationships Audit — “Am I nurturing the connections that matter?”
Who makes me feel safe, seen, and supported?
Who drains my energy or causes tension?
When did I last reach out to someone I love?
Are there friendships that need tending — or release?
Who do I want to make more memories with this year?
5. Joy & Happiness Audit — “Am I allowing myself to feel joy?”
What simple things make me feel alive?
Do I push joy aside, waiting for a better time?
Where can I bring more play into my week?
When did I last laugh?
What petite joy can I welcome in today?
6. Health & Energy Audit — “Am I caring for the body that carries me through everything?”
Am I sleeping well enough to feel human?
What foods truly nourish me?
Does my body need more movement, or more rest?
Where am I pushing through exhaustion?
What one habit would help me feel steadier?
7. Purpose & Creativity Audit — “Am I using my gifts in a meaningful way?”
What creative spark have I been ignoring?
What would feel meaningful to pursue right now?
What dream keeps tapping me on the shoulder?
What project/activity have I postponed out of fear?
What would I do if I trusted myself more?
8. Presence & Appreciation Audit — “Am I savouring the life I already have?”
Did I notice something beautiful today?
Do I rush through routines that could be nice rituals?
When was I last truly present?
Which ordinary moment am I grateful for right now?
How can I slow down enough to really see my life?
Not About Perfection
A Life Audit isn’t about perfection — it’s about awareness. It’s a way of gently asking yourself: Where am I longing for more? What small step could honour that?
Because the truth is, we don’t regret the messy things, the imperfect things, the things that didn’t go to plan. We regret the unlived moments. The unsaid words. The quiet dreams we never backed.
And the good news? You can start changing your story today — with one honest reflection, one boundary, one conversation, one tiny act of joy.
Your life is happening right now. Make it one you won’t regret living.
- TAGS ― Featured, Simple Blog
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