My husband, Donald lived his life with no regrets—and that’s exactly how I’m trying to live mine. He didn’t wait for the “right time” or the perfect moment. He lived fully, boldly, and with intention. That spirit has stayed with me, pushing me to stop waiting for life to happen and instead, to go out and live it.
Someone recently asked me, “What is it that you want to do?” My answer came quickly: “I either did it already, or I’m currently doing it.” That’s the kind of life I want to lead—one where I don’t look back with what-ifs, but look forward with purpose.
Live Fully. Keep Your Word. Have No Regrets.
Life is unpredictable. One moment you’re making plans, and the next, everything shifts. The people you love, the opportunities you dream about, even your own sense of time—it can all change in an instant.
That’s why living life to the fullest isn’t just about chasing adventure or chasing success. It’s about showing up fully, honoring your word, and creating a life you can look back on without regret.
Whether it’s finally going after your dreams, telling someone how much they mean to you, or simply following through on a promise you made to yourself—it all matters.
Here’s how to live more intentionally, and why it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself and for the people you love.
Why This Matters: The Power of No Regrets
When people see you handling hard things, they may see grace, composure, or calm. But what they don’t always see are the sleepless nights, the private breakdowns, the internal battles, or the small but brave decisions you make every day just to keep going.
Being strong doesn’t mean pretending you’re fine. It means you’re still choosing to move forward—even if it’s slowly.
But to truly navigate life’s curveballs, strength alone isn’t enough. You need flexibility.
Flexibility: The Superpower of Survival
When you lose someone close to you, you start seeing life through a sharper lens. You think about the things unsaid, the plans postponed, the chances not taken. And if you’re not careful, that grief can carry the weight of “I wish I had…”
But when you live with intention—when you do what you say you’re going to do, when you show up, speak your truth, and take action—you strip regret of its power.
Here’s what living with no regrets gives you:
- Peace of Mind – You know you showed up fully, loved deeply, and meant what you said.
- Emotional Freedom – You’re not trapped in guilt or “what ifs.” You lived honestly and courageously.
- Stronger Legacy – The people around you remember your example—not just your words, but your actions.
7 Steps to Living Life to the Fullest and Following Through
1. Know What Matters to You
Get clear on your values. What kind of life do you want to live? What relationships matter most? What dreams keep tugging at you? When you know your “why,” it’s easier to say yes to what matters—and no to what doesn’t.
2. Keep Promises—Especially to Yourself
Start treating the promises you make to yourself like they matter. Because they do. Want to take that trip? Write that book? Get healthier? Start today. The more you follow through, the more trust and momentum you build.
3. Tell People You Love Them
Don’t wait. Send the text. Make the call. Say the thing. We often assume we have more time, but the truth is, we never really know. Don’t let love go unspoken.
4. Be Where Your Feet Are
Stop rushing through life. Be present. Whether it’s coffee with a friend, playing with your kid, or watching a sunset—soak it in. These moments become the memories you hold onto most.
5. Say No Without Guilt
A full life doesn’t mean a busy life. Say no to what drains you so you can say yes to what fuels you. Protect your time and energy like they’re sacred—because they are.
6. Let Go of Perfection
Regret doesn’t come from failing—it comes from never trying. Stop waiting to have everything figured out. Take the leap, even if it’s messy. Courage beats perfection every time.
7. Live Like It’s Temporary—Because It Is
This isn’t about fear. It’s about urgency. If you knew your time was limited (and it is), how would you spend it? Who would you spend it with? What would you finally do?
Final Thoughts
Losing someone close reminds us just how fragile and sacred life really is. But it also offers a powerful invitation: to live more fully, more honestly, and more bravely.
So keep your word. Say what matters. Do what sets your soul on fire.
Because when your time comes to reflect, you won’t be thinking about the things you had—you’ll be thinking about the love you gave, the moments you lived, and the promises you kept.
No regrets. Just a life well lived.
Let me know your thoughts by emailing me.
Your Partner in Change,
Marsha