Living "The Last Lecture"
Word came this week that Randy Pausch, Ph.D., professor and author of The Last Lecture (Hyperion, 2008), died from complications of pancreatic cancer. You may have seen him on Oprah or watched his presentation on YouTube. If you are not familiar with Pausch, I recommend him to you (http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/).
As his life neared its end, his “last lecture” propelled many of us on our own journeys toward more intentional living. His life’s philosophy encourages taking risks, asking questions, dreaming big. It sounds simple, and maybe it is. But sometimes we need to be reminded, and Pausch was just the man to tap us on our collective shoulder and ask us to pay attention.
“If you lead your life the right way,” said Pausch, “the karma will take care of itself. The dreams will come to you.”
Amy Lyles Wilson
Comments
Amy,
Thanks for your reflective approach about this. I'm sure many of us have seen the video of Pausch's lecture, and it will probably go on for years to come (one can hope). But to give it meaning beyond the "Have you seen?" followed now by the "Have you heard?" water cooler conversations, we must do as you suggest: act on what he says, and move forward in our own lives being purposeful and aware.
Thanks again.
Cece
CeceD,
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I feel I was a bit late to the Pausch fan club, but I'm just glad I found him at all. It helps me to remember his approach to life--and death--when I'm tempted to whine about something trivial. Thanks again for joining us here at Her Nashville.
ALW/"Her Spirit" Blogger
My 4 siblings and I had a meeting and decided to push our mom who cannot shake the depression from losing her oldest grandchild to keep living and not give up. She joined a gym last week and we see a glimpse of her fighting spirit starting to emerge again. Pausch's ideas can fit each of us in some way, but some of us need that "village" of support to make it happen. Dreaming big for my mom is simply to take care of herself so she can enjoy her family, and for us, so we can enjoy her. I feel my family got the "tap on the collective shoulder." My siblings and I vowed to continue helping mom to keep dreaming.
Morning Ames! Thanks for recommending RP to me. I was saddened to learn Mr. Pausch had passed on. But what a life and a legacy...Cissy
Coachmom,
Thank you for joining us here at Her Nashville, and thank you for sharing part of your story. I think such communication is vital, especially in times of adjustment and growth. I am sorry for your family's loss, but heartened to hear that you and your siblings have come together to support and encourage your mother. I also appreciate your reminding us that "dreaming big" will mean different things to different people. I have long believed that merely dreaming is not enough, that the "doing" must also play a role. Therein lies the beauty, I think, of the individual's freedom to choose her goals. Large or small, easy or difficult, mundane or grand, what matters is the next step.
Sincerely,
Her Spirit Blogger/Amy Lyles Wilson
Cissy,
Good to hear from you. I think many of us who came across Randy Pausch and his "last lecture" feel better for it. I know I do.
Amy Lyles Wilson/Her Spirit Blogger