Nine years ago, an Australian hospice nurse and blogger shared insights gained from years of working in palliative care. Through her experiences with patients in their final moments, she identified a common regret among them: the wish that they had lived more authentically, true to themselves rather than conforming to the expectations of others.
Nearly everyone faces pressure to meet the expectations of friends, family, and society, leading to compromises that can affect personal happiness. Imagine how different life could be if we were less concerned about others' opinions and more focused on our own true desires.
Clare Burnett, an 83-year-old hospice patient at Harbor Hospice in Johnson County, Kansas, exemplifies living authentically. Faced with the end of her life, Clare chose to fulfill a long-held desire: getting a tattoo. With her husband no longer around to disapprove, Clare seized the opportunity to finally get the Sylvester the Cat tattoo she had always wanted.
Fifteen years prior, Clare had a Tweety Bird tattoo on her left leg but had never managed to get Sylvester, her favorite cartoon character's nemesis, on the other leg. “I had always wanted Sylvester,” Clare told Fox 4. “But my husband was against it when I got Tweety, so I never got around to it.”
This wish came true thanks to a special program at Harbor Hospice that helps patients fulfill their dreams in their final days. According to Tracy Bunch, a wish coordinator at Harbor Hospice, the program grants a range of wishes, from hot air balloon rides to meeting celebrities and attending concerts. Recently, the focus has shifted to bringing patients out of nursing homes and into their family homes for their final wishes.
Clare was transported to Midtown Tattoo in Kansas City, Missouri, where her tattoo artist took special care to ensure the process was comfortable for her. Clare was thrilled with the result, proudly showing off her new tattoo and expressing her satisfaction. When asked about others' opinions on her tattoo, Clare's response was clear.
“I don’t know, and I don’t care,” Clare said with a laugh. “I think it’s gorgeous. Look at that red nose. He’s beautiful.”
Clare Burnett's decision to pursue her tattoo is a poignant reminder of the importance of living authentically and pursuing personal dreams. For those of us who haven’t yet had such realizations, it’s worth asking ourselves: What is our own “Sylvester tattoo”? What passions or dreams have we postponed out of fear of judgment from others?
Clare's story encourages us to embrace our true selves and take the leap towards what truly makes us happy.