Love is How You Stay Alive, Even After You Are Gone
Reflecting on “Tuesdays with Morrie”
“Tuesdays with Morrie” is a profound exploration of life’s phases and the choices we make along the way. Morrie Schwartz shares invaluable lessons that resonate deeply, especially for those who have experienced loss. I wish I had discovered this book before saying goodbye to my father like uncles last year. It might have offered me guidance on cherishing those last moments and gathering core memories.
Morrie’s journey reveals that acceptance is crucial. When he learns he has only a few days left, he writes on a piece of paper: “Accept what you are able to do and what you are not able to do; learn to forgive yourself and others.” This message is a reminder to embrace our limitations and the power of forgiveness.
Morrie encourages us to transform each day into something meaningful by asking ourselves critical questions: “Have you found someone to share your heart with? Are you at peace with yourself? Are you striving to be as human as possible?” In a culture that often belittles our worth, he urges us to reject those narratives and create our own values. This is a difficult yet essential task — most people struggle to define their own culture, but it’s a powerful step toward authenticity.
He emphasizes the importance of not taking loved ones for granted and recognizing that true meaning in life comes from loving others, nurturing our communities, and engaging in pursuits that provide purpose.
In the fourth Tuesday, when Mitch asks Morrie what he appreciates most, Morrie shares a simple yet profound observation: “I notice changes in the trees, how strong the wind is blowing.” This highlights the beauty of being present and recognizing the passage of time. When we act from the heart, we find fulfillment rather than envy. Morrie teaches that we must choose what we value and how we think; we cannot let society dictate these aspects of our lives.
Ultimately, Mitch Albom concludes that Morrie’s greatest lesson is that there is no such thing as “too late” in life. Morrie continued to grow and change until the day he said goodbye.
