Life Lessons in “Tuesdays with Morrie”

I completed “Tuesdays with Morrie” last night, and I felt compelled to share my thoughts. Rather than a review, I want to convey how this book made me feel.

“Tuesdays with Morrie” is a heartfelt memoir by Mitch Albom, chronicling his conversations with his old professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is dying from ALS. These discussions, held every Tuesday, touch on life’s most profound topics.

I wasn’t initially inclined to read the book, but it was a gift from a dear friend, and I trusted her judgment. The premise intrigued me: an ongoing conversation with an old, dying soul. I finished it in just two days, a personal record. The book hooked me because I’m deeply emotional about old age and cherish the wisdom of the elderly.

Here are some reflections from Morrie that resonated deeply with me:

The Heart vs. The Mind

Morrie said, “Love is the only rational act.” This struck a chord with me, as I have often felt the tug-of-war between the mind and the heart. The mind’s practical strategies can win short-term battles, but the heart’s ways, like love, are akin to value investing in a marathon. Morrie’s words gave me clarity on this ongoing conflict.

The Role of Work

I realized I used work as a distraction. Morrie’s perspective on work made me rethink my approach. Mitch Albom writes, “For every problem I didn’t have control over, I had work to dive into and bury my sorrows in. I worked because I could control it. I worked because work was sensible and responsive.” These words hit me hard. I’ve been working for control and rationality, not out of love for the work itself. It’s time for me to redefine my relationship with work and aim for a more far-sighted approach.

Embracing Emotions

Like Mitch, I have always tried to curb my emotions, dealing with them privately. Morrie’s advice was to open up, let emotions flow freely, and not let them control us. He said, “Wear the emotion like a familiar shirt and say, ‘All right, it’s just fear. I don’t have to let it control me. I see it for what it is.’” This was a liberating thought for me.

Creating Your Own Culture

I often question whether to move abroad for better opportunities. Morrie’s advice was, “Every society has its own problems. Don’t run away; you have to work at creating your own culture.” This made me realize that building and staying in one place has its own value, whether close to or away from family.

Finding Meaning

Morrie observed, “People haven’t found meaning in their lives, so they’re running all the time looking for it.” This made me reflect on my own life. We often chase after money, fame, or love without realizing that true meaning comes from the value we bring to society and our environment.

Legacy and Love

One question in the book blew my mind: Will we be remembered or forgotten by our great-grandkids? Morrie’s answer was simple yet profound: “Love is how you stay alive.” He believed in giving his heart and soul to those around him. He said, “Taking makes me feel like I’m dying. Giving makes me feel like I’m living.” Morrie’s legacy of love continues to live on, even after his passing.

Coping with Loss

I lost my grandmother in November 2020, a pain that still lingers. Morrie’s tears over losing his mother 70 years ago reminded me that the pain of losing a loved one never truly goes away. He said, “The pain of losing a loved one always goes on.” This helped me accept that it’s okay to live with the pain rather than trying to overcome it entirely.

Acceptance of Death

We all avoid thinking or speaking about death. Morrie spoke about it openly, saying, “Everyone knows they’re going to die, but nobody believes it.” His approach to life and death was refreshing and thought-provoking. Morrie believed that accepting our mortality can lead to a richer, more meaningful life. He taught that by confronting death, we can live more fully and intentionally. May his soul rest in peace.

Conclusion

“Tuesdays with Morrie” is more than a book; it’s a journey through life’s deepest questions and emotions. Morrie’s wisdom and Albom’s storytelling offer profound lessons on love, loss, work, and the essence of living. The simplicity and depth of their conversations have left a lasting impact on me, encouraging me to live with more purpose, love, and acceptance.