During our third quarter SSR, I read Tuesday's With Morrie which is a biographical philosophical novel written by Mitch Albom centered on his actual experience revisiting his college sociologist professor after hearing news about his disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The book revolves around Mitch Albom's audio interview as Professor Morrie reveals his epiphanies and knowledge he gathered throughout his long lasting life every Tuesday up until his passing. He discusses the struggles of accepting and embracing death instead of being fearful in your last days. Oddly enough I just received news that my Aunt passed away today while she gazed outside her bedroom window because she felt tired which didn't alarm anybody since she's older and previously exercised that morning. He spent his final months acting as an emotional beacon for his visitors for them to vent and seek assistance despite being the one wilting away. According to Mitch he was always a selfless and attentive listener who made everyone around him feel comfortable and heard. This book covers the topics of death, finding love, dealing with aging, as well as facing your emotions and accepting the feeling and releasing it in order to progress and grow as a person. A main struggle for Professor Morrie was losing his independence due to his disease which completely disabled his muscles from his toes and worked its way up forcing him to become dependent on his paid caretakers and visitors, yet he kept a high morale and accepted his fate and remained positive with himself and with others instead of becoming cynical. Due to its unique format and important and timeless issues that it covers, this book will and deservedly should be read for centuries to come as a classic.
During your teenage years and even adult life, it is difficult and intimidating to face the reality of the world and finding a purpose, which this book helps inform and possibly guide those on that confusing path by providing a genuine perspective from a wise man as he comes to the realization of appreciating simple aspects of your life. Personally, this book spoke to me when it discussed the importance of facing and accepting an emotion and fully dwell and understand it, as opposed to running away from it and not being able to let those feelings go. Throughout my life I was and still am very stubborn and hid my problems and emotions under different layers with sports, literature, humor, and relationships with family and friends. However, this book has helped aid me in facing my emotions head on in order to continue living my life without being held back by less important moments. Thus, this book has the potential to have a similar effect on others who read it since the topic isn't anything that can be outdated or become less relevant. Typically, I avoid motivational speeches, books, or quotes since they all seem forced, generic, and cliché. That being said Tuesday's With Morrie was crafted in such a way that felt genuine and sincere almost as if it was a dear old friend of yours engaging you in a conversation to teach you as you respectfully indulge each word and lesson that they present to you.
As human beings we struggle more with ourselves than we are ever going to struggle with others. It is something we can't control or prevent from our lives. However, living life with hope can help us pass through these obstacles. This book in particularly seems to give people that hope needed in times of difficulties and sorrow. It let's us know that we are not alone because we face similar challenges. Thank you for your suggestion, this book has a powerful message.
ReplyDeleteThis book seems to serve as a beacon of hope for people who are going through tough times and struggles. I am glad that the book has aided you in your own struggles with facing emotions, as that can be extremely difficult. I will have to give this book a try, as it seems like it could significantly change my perspective of difficult situations and how I could go about dealing with them.
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