Lessons on Life: What Tuesdays with Morrie Taught Me
It has been years since I first published my book Tuesdays with Morrie, yet the lessons I learned from my dear friend continue to shape my life every day. Morrie Schwartz was a remarkable man — wise, compassionate, and infinitely giving. As his life came to an end, he became my teacher, imparting invaluable lessons on love, forgiveness, and living a meaningful life. In this article, I’d like to share some of the most important lessons I learned from Morrie and how they’ve impacted my life.
The Importance of Connection
Morrie was convinced that the key to a fulfilling life was connection — connection with oneself, with others, and with the universe. In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy to lose sight of the importance of human connection. We’re so busy trying to keep up with our endless to-do lists that we forget to make time for the things and people that truly matter. Morrie taught me the value of slowing down, of taking the time to really connect with the people around me. Every time I have a conversation with someone, whether it’s a stranger or a loved one, I try to be fully present, to really listen and to be open to what they have to say. These moments of connection are what make life worth living.
The Power of Forgiveness
One of the most moving moments in our conversations was when Morrie talked about forgiveness. He said that holding onto anger and resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Forgiveness is not something we do for others — it’s something we do for ourselves. By letting go of anger and forgiving those who have hurt us, we free ourselves from the burden of negativity and create space for love, joy, and peace. This is easier said than done, of course, but every time I find myself holding onto anger or resentment, I remember Morrie’s words and try to let go. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
The Power of Purpose
As Morrie neared the end of his life, he was still determined to find meaning and purpose. I was amazed by his strength and courage in the face of death, and inspired by his commitment to making every moment count. Purpose isn’t what we do — it’s why we do it. It’s about finding the things that make our hearts sing, and devoting our time and energy to them. For Morrie, it was teaching and connecting with others. For me, it’s writing and using my platform to make a positive impact. Whatever it is, finding our purpose gives our lives direction and meaning. When we know why we’re here and what we’re meant to do, everything else falls into place.
These are just a few of the many lessons I learned from my dear friend Morrie. His words and wisdom continue to guide me every day, reminding me of the importance of connection, forgiveness, and purpose. As I move through life, I try to follow his example and live with the same compassion, kindness, and integrity that made him such an extraordinary human being. Thank you, Morrie, for everything. Your legacy lives on in the countless lives you touched, including mine.
