If I Only Had 1 Week to Live – My Regrets and Bucket List

The Question That Changes Everything

Recently, I asked ChatGPT a powerful question:

Based on what you know about me, what regrets do you think I would have if I was told I only had a week to live? And give me a list of three things I need to do on my bucket list in that week!

The response was both eye-opening and deeply personal. It made me reflect on what truly matters, what I might be leaving undone, and what experiences are still calling my name. Here’s what ChatGPT had to say:

The Regrets That Might Linger

Looking at my life—the books I’ve written, the miles I’ve run, the wisdom I’ve shared, and the love I’ve given—I know I’ve lived with purpose. But if I only had seven days left, I imagine these regrets might still surface:

1. Not Loving Big Enough

I have always sought to love deeply, but would I wonder if I had truly let it all out? Did I tell Tina, my lifelong partner, just how much she means to me, in a way that leaves no doubt? Did I express my gratitude to the incredible people in my life? Did I take every opportunity to embrace love without hesitation?

2. Playing Small When I Could Have Gone Bigger

I have questioned whether I’ve fully stepped into my potential. Have I held back when I could have taken a bold leap? Have I shared my philosophy, my teachings, my experiences with as many people as possible? If I had more time, would I have finally launched that one big, game-changing project?

3. Not Experiencing One Last Grand Adventure

Adventure is part of my soul. Whether it’s a physical challenge, a journey into the unknown, or a sacred experience, I would regret not having one final, heart-pounding, awe-inspiring adventure before my time was up.

The One-Week Bucket List

With just seven days left, I wouldn’t waste a moment. Here’s what ChatGPT suggested I do:

1. Hold a Shin Dao Gathering with Loved Ones

I would bring together the people I’ve touched—family, friends, students, and fellow spiritual warriors. It wouldn’t be a goodbye; it would be a celebration. A gathering filled with love, laughter, and legacy, where we’d reflect on the beauty of life and the connections we’ve made. I would let them know how much they mean to me and give them the space to share their impact on my life as well.

2. One Last Wild Ride

Whether it’s an epic 100-kilometer bike ride through the mountains, a martial arts challenge that tests my limits, or soaring through the sky in a hot-air balloon, I would make sure my body, mind, and spirit felt truly alive one last time.

3. A Deep Spiritual Pilgrimage

Whether it’s walking a sacred trail, meditating in a monastery, or spending days in silence and communion with the Divine, I would seek one final moment of profound spiritual connection. A space where time disappears, and I can truly be—fully present, fully at peace.

The Realization That Follows

The beauty of this question is that it doesn’t require a terminal diagnosis to be meaningful. If these are the things I would do with only a week left, then why am I waiting?

Perhaps the real lesson is to start now. Love deeply now. Go big now. Seek adventure now. Because whether we have seven days or seventy more years, the truth remains: Life is happening right now.

What would be on your list?

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