This is truly painful, and what you shared reminds us that we often fail to notice the value of certain moments until they turn into memories. We realize too late that we could have been gentler and closer.
Your question: How can I be less selfish?
The answer, at its core, is not complicated: sometimes put yourself in someone else’s place, think about their feelings before you act, and ask yourself: “If I were in their position, how would I want to be treated?”
Some lessons I’ve learned that made life feel lighter and more peaceful:
- Kind words leave their mark even after we or our loved ones are gone.
- Never postpone expressing gratitude or apologizing—time doesn’t wait.
- Listening with sincerity gives others a sense of care greater than any gift.
- Forgiveness frees the heart from its burdens and makes us lighter for the days ahead.
- Always remember that life is short and unpredictable—so treat those around you as if you might part tomorrow.
Perhaps there is no complete “manual” for life, but experiences, reading, and listening to others create the pages of that manual we keep learning from, day by day.