When my grandma Vicki was struck down and murdered by a 14 year old high school dropout, my world detonated. The very laws of physics came into question. Up was down. Down was up. The center of gravity no longer existed. I was faced with two existential questions:
1. Is it possible after an incident of unimaginable depravity to forgive someone who doesn’t express any remorse?
2. Will it be possible to experience joy again, knowing that time doesn’t actually heal all wounds and you will face certain tragedies (violence, suicide, death of a child, etc) that never leave you?
I have lived my life pursuing in thoughts and deeds answers to these burning questions. Every ounce of labor I expend honoring Vicki’s incredible legacy brings a tenfold measure of healing.
Part of what I’ve learned is expressed by this physician talking about not working so hard to justify our existence. Rather, it’s about living an examined life with playfulness, and joy in the company of friends, family and loved ones— empathetic and kind to all, no matter what they’ve done.
We cannot seek harm for those who harm us or we will never know joy again. We won’t be unburdened by retribution. The obverse is true. We must practice kindness especially to those who don’t deserve it.
We will live unburdened and joyful when we seek no harm under any circumstance, and offer love to all those who cross our pass.
MarketScale
“I was so driven by justifying my existence in the world that I forgot to play.”
At 80 years old, the inspiring Gabor Maté reflects on how he’d live his life, if he could do it all over again.
Have a lovely weekend everyone! Remember to be a little bit more like Winnie the Pooh.
Student at Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School
4moCongrats and happy principal appreciation day