Within the last several years I have been on what my family calls the "life is short" tour and moms "get hit by a truck theory". I am not dying that I know of and neither is anyone else in my life (I hope). I have no idea why this concept has consumed me but it has and I am grateful.
The message is truly life is short, how do you want to be remembered, what is your legacy. The thought of saying something short or biting to someone I love or vice versa and then walking out the door and getting hit by a truck and dying has scared me enough so I make sure I don't do those things anymore. I try every day to live well, friendly and helpful. I also "ignore" alot because I have learned I don't need to "respond" to everything. I am living my dreams with my career and family, I dont do things that dont make me happy any longer.
During the last year I saw Randy Pausch, the professor whose "last lecture" became a runaway phenomenon on the Internet. I watched his lecture and cried as it touched me so much.
Randy has a great quote, "Brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough. They are for the other people." This hit home with me because I often refer to the proverbial "brick wall". Back when I used to teach investigations I would teach people when they hit the "brick wall" they needed to find a way to dig under it, go over the top, go around it, or blow it up. Point being if its worth it you will find a way.
I just went to Google something and read that Randy Pausch died today of pancreatic cancer. Randy was an amazing man, father, husband, mentor, professor and touched many lives. His lecture has been seen millions of times and he has touched millions of people. His lecture is about living your dream and living it well. If you have not seen it you should. Here is a link. It is quite long but well worth it.
If you are not living your dreams figure out why and then do something about it.
He was amazing, I didn't realize he died today. Wow! the universe has a hole in it's heart, hopefully he'll send someone to carry on the message, oh he did...you Shell, and all of us. We can make his words count. It is important to pause and remember what is important. Great post, thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks for the link Shell. It was worth watching. I have never heard of Randy before but I am glad I took the time to find out about him and how he led his life by inspriring others.
Shell ~ Randy was truly living the life he wanted. His illness was diagnosed in 2006 so he had almost 2 years to live out his dreams ... I saw him several times on various shows and found his story intensely inspirational. I could also relate to his story because when I was 25, my mother and I had a silly disagreement about something not at all important ... but both of us being stubborn, we didn't talk for 3 months. Then she wrote me a long letter of apology and I immediately phoned her and we chatted for a long time. 3 days later, my mother was killed in a freak accident. That was a lesson learned to let things go and not hold on to resentment. Life truly IS too short.
I have the book, I saw the lecture, I watched him interviewed several times. He makes me humble. I am so sad for his families loss and for some reason I thought he would beat the odds and make it. He was so fulll of life and positive. I am so sad to see this, but grateful for what he left behind. thanks for letting me know Shell I have been too nuts to watch the news. Kym
Shell, I always try to remember that whatever I am doing, I am trading an hour of my life for it. When tomorrow comes this day will be gone forever. I want to spend it wisely.
I just started re-reading The Last Lecture after seeing another AR post about it. Randy Pausch was an inspiring and motivating professor. Somehow I thought he might be the one to beat the odds; it's very sad to see him go.
What an inspirational message/post, Shell. I had heard that he passed away having watched the news last night on TV. I was touched by his lecture and couldn't help but think how proud his family must be.
I too was very touched by his story. So was my 13 year old son who has a unique perspective on life at a very young age. We joke about him being an old soul, but he lives his life with a positive attitude and sets goals for himself. For most teenagers today, this is not the case. I credit stories like Randy's for giving a positive message even in the darkest of times.
The last lecture emphasizes lifes journeys and how we can over come them if we choose. I also realized that anyone person can touch the lives of so many people with just a small act of kindness,such as Randy did; sharing a positive message about his life. I think if more people could live as he did, the world would be a happier place.
For all of us who dream BIG! I wish you GREAT SUCCESS and remember Randy when you reach your goal!
I saw his video a few months ago, and noticed he'd died Friday. He was very poignant, and made alot of sense. I think we'd all live life differently if we knew our definitive future. We all know we will die, but just never expect it to be suddenly. I do believe he made the most of what time he had left...we all should.
Shell Brodnax- President/CEO- RESA
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I also was touch by this man's last lecture. What an honor for his family that he left such a legacy. I hope in my own way I can do the same.