Lecture on Life

I've heard all about Randy Pausch's famous 'Last Lecture.' I thought I understood what it consisted of and didn't need to listen to it. But this morning, as I was scurrying about doing my usual routine, I decided to listen to that rather than my typical iTunes playlist.

That was a good decision. It was a beautiful reminder of how precious every moment is, and to make all those little moments count! It takes awhile to watch, but I promise it's worth it!

(just pause my music to the right before you hit play)....

If I haven't convinced you to watch it, or if you'd like a refresher course, here are a few notes I took from it:

If there's an elephant in the room, introduce them.

We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.

The inspiration and the permission to dream is huge.

It's important to have specific dreams.

When you're screwing up and nobody says anything to you anymore, that means they gave up on you.... Your critics are the ones telling you they still care.

Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted.

Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things. (Some brick walls are made of flesh). Brick walls let us show our dedication.

Wait long enough, and people will surprise and impress you.

Respect authority while questioning it.

I'm dying and I'm having fun. I'm going to keep having fun every day I have left.... You just have to decide if you're Tigger or Eyore.

Never lose the child-like wonder. It's too important.

Help others.

Loyalty is a two-way street.

Never give up.

Accept help from other people. You can't get there alone.

Tell the truth. Be earnest. Apologize when you screw up. Focus on others, not yourself.

Don't bail. The best gold is at the bottom of barrels of crap.

When you do the right thing, good stuff has a way of happening.

When people give you feedback, cherish it and use it. (don't be defensive, don't make excuses)

Show gratitude.

Don't complain; just work harder.

Be good at something. It makes you valuable.

Find the best in everybody. Just keep waiting no matter how long it takes. No one is all evil. The good will come out.

Be prepared. Luck is truly where preparation meets opportunity.

It's not about achieving your dreams. It's about leading your life. If you live your life the right way, the dreams will come to you.

This is my mom with Chloe after a week of separation while my mom was on vacation. Reunion is sweet bliss for the two of them, as you can see! By the time my mom was my age, both her parents and one sibling had died. My mom understands that life is fragile. Every single time we leave, I sense her feeling that something bad very well may happen to us and she may never see us again. There is always a long embrace, a slightly emotional, 'I love you,' and a desperate plea to drive safely as we go home. I tease her about this, especially since we live only a block away. But today as I thought about Professor Pausch's children being able to have this legacy of their dad and his life lessons, I thought about my mom. She too has given me a legacy. I never, ever question her love and concern for me, my husband, and my Chloe.

Well, it's easy to love Chloe so that's not so amazing. But me - I'm not nearly as lovable, and she still manages. I'm grateful for that.

So how did I proceed with my day after being so inspired? Nothing dramatic, I just went along as usual, only with a little more gratitude and umph. I dragged out the Thanksgiving decorations and found one of my favorites - Turkey Tom. Chloe was a fan too!

She played with him during music therapy tonight. I think she's found herself a new friend!