Some Lessons From Morrie

So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they’re busy doing things they think is important. This is because they’re chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is devote yourself to loving others, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” – Morrie

We live in a culture where we are socialized to compete in a big race where the finish lines promises a house and a car – we want more and we want it now. We want and we take and then we take some more, because maybe when we get that car, that title, that designer bag – then maybe we will finally feel that happiness and sense of completion that we yearn for. Spend your days working so one day you can start living – make work, your blackberry and your cellphone your priority. Then, one day you reach the finish line, but instead of receiving a trophy and feeling triumphant, the only thing you receive is the realization you’ve been running in the wrong race – and that race has no finish line.

“Are you being as human as you possibly can? -Morrie

I believe in making this world a better place, in whichever way you can. You don’t to fly to Africa or feed the homeless – you can make it better by bettering yourself. By being at peace within yourself, you will bring peace to those around you – you will add peace to this world. Make loving others a way of life – Making people a priority, putting others before yourself, being kind and empathetic towards others every day. Everyone is special – look for that special something in those you encounter and appreciate that about them. Express how you feel – don’t wait until they leave the country or when they are on their deathbed to let them know how much you love and appreciate them.

I have entered a new stage in my life and have recently celebrated a new turn in my career. I have always thought of myself as lucky and have told my mother this often. Last night, I told her how happy I was to be at this stage and how I was lucky. But this time, I told her the reason why I was lucky was because I had her as a mother, who raised me and my two sisters. Sure my father was around once in a while, but it was because of the strength and values that was learned from my mother which is one of the fundamental reasons why me and my sisters are happy and successful. I know that my mother has had some regrets and has felt some guilt because she was so busy working while we were young, trying to provide the basic necessities for us. I think that telling her how much I appreciated her made her heart feel calm and proud.

Live every minute of your life and appreciate and love those people who add meaning in your life – there is no later, only now. Let go of the anger and resentment you’ve held in your relationships and friendships with people – it really doesn’t matter in the end and only obstructs your inner peace. Express yourself and don’t be afraid to laugh, cry, dance, hug and trust.

Have you ever been in a moment of darkness or loneliness and the thought of one person made you comforted? That person left a gift with you. Give to others – share your love and goodness – and that gift will be a part of them always.

“You see,” he says to the girl, “You closed your eyes. That was the difference. Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you trust them, too – even when you’re in the dark. Even when you’re falling.” – Morrie

Tuesdays with Morrie

~ by Amy on July 27, 2008.