“Accept who you are; and revel in it.”
It is a simple yet radical idea. And yet.
“Don't let go too soon, but don't hold on too long.”
“Don't cling to things because everything is impermanent.”
“Forgive yourself before you die. Then forgive others.”
I wanted to write a long poetic reflection on this book and how it could shape someone’s view of the world or identity but as I sit here on my laptop, there’s this vague weight in my chest. An enigmatic heaviness that is pushing me to cry or numb myself, but I’m not entirely sure which is better. This may seem a bit out of character given my post on “The Art of Racing in Rain” (although I would argue that this book is much better structured and written) but it’s just… well I’m not sure. The tightness in my chest feels like it’s spreading and while the sun beats down on me on this Friday afternoon, I can’t help but feel sad. But “Tuesdays with Morrie” isn’t supposed to be one of those sad books that causes you to remain sad after you finish. It’s supposed to be sad until you take inspiration from Morrie and his outlook on life and death and love. And yet.
“Why are we embarrassed by silence? What comfort do we find in all the noise?”
“Most of us all walk around as if we're sleepwalking. We really don't experience the world fully, because we're half-asleep, doing things we automatically think we have to do.”
So simple. And yet.
When I first heard about the premise of the book, I jadedly thought about how it sounded like it would be stuffed with Hallmark sentiments about only living once and not being afraid to love. Critics may argue that much of Morrie’s advice can read like cliches but it felt like exactly what I needed to read. Maybe it’s because of what’s going on in my personal life right now or maybe it’s because it’s just a good book. I am rereading the quotes that I have typed and they are instead of the words washing over, as the expression goes, I feel like I have been flooded. I’m drowning in the waves and I’m gasping for air and holding onto these sentiments for dear life. So many of us have a hard time accepting ourselves. So many of us fill our lives with empty noise. So many of us do things because we think it’s what we are supposed to do. And yet.
The tightness has started to recoil, but a part of me is worried about losing the sense of urgency that the book for some reason gave me to change myself and to change how I interact with the world. It was a wonderful book, perfect for exactly how I am feeling today. For those that need that extra pinch of warmth or inspiration in the form of lovable Morrie, take a few hours to read the book. If only I had read this on a Tuesday…
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