Sunday, July 19, 2009

Life’s short, make it sweet

Saturday yesterday and as usual I was glimpsing through some books at a mall. A question in a book was: “One of five humans suffers from depression. Does it mean it is part of human nature and not a disease?” Answer: The same number of people (or more) has cavities. Does it mean they should not get treated? I am just presenting what I read. Not my view.
Some people make others’ lives miserable. One guy I know suffered humiliation for years under a boss. But he tolerated. One day, the boss met with an accident and lost a leg. He changed dramatically. Does one need a punishment to start loving others?
An Emirates Humour Club official sent me this inspiring piece and I wanted to share with you.
Randy Pausch was 47 years old when he died from pancreatic cancer. His book, The Last Lecture, is an international best-seller and it offers many wonderful lessons about life.
Randy Pausch's "last lecture" was delivered in September 2007, at Carnegie Mellon University, where he taught computer science. The lecture began with him standing before a screen beaming down chilling CT images of tumours in his liver, under the title...The Elephant in the Room. He then said to a stunned audience, "I have about 6 months to live." He said, "I'm really in good shape, probably better shape than most of you," ... dropping to the floor to do push-ups.
He went on to say, "I'm dying and I'm having fun, and I'm going to keep having fun every day I have left." He talked about his childhood dreams and what they had taught him about life. He said, "If you live your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself...your dreams will come to you."

21 comments:

  1. I agree with the last bit. I have had incidents too, where I have changed my perception of the person after he/she has done something out of their way for me. I try not be judgmental.

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  2. Hmmm...so many things are easier said than done. Life's texture is so complex and full of undlations.
    And even in the low moments , if one is able to keeep his cool and laugh at himself , thats a remarkable thing. Instead if the person sinks into self-pity mode, then depression emerges.

    I guess , only the really mature are able to see humour in themselves and in everything around.

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  3. yea i have seen that video...its really inspiring...in my case also is was pretty useful in overcomin my depression ..

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  4. very inspiring writup. very profound.he Reminds me of Rajesh Khanna in Anand.

    We value life only when come across with such traumas of magnitude. We dont count our blessings, but rant about what we dont have. i think CONTENT is the word we should all adopt. Thanks for sharing this. Excellent writeup.

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  5. Randy Pausch's Last Lecture was a true gift to all. What a wonderful reminder. Peace and prosperity to you, my dear friend and affection too! Namaste

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  6. A post in time....just learnt today one of our very close frn. got only two months to live...diagnosed very advanced stage of cancer but she is facing it very bravely.....very motivating post Ramesh...thanks

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  7. The last lecture was truly inspiring.
    Life does have many depressing moments, but we can cope better if our sense of humour is intact.

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  8. Very Interesting. Its sad but true. Sudden shocks are better than slow reasoning. It takes trauma to make you realize the worth of life.

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  9. Ramesh..thanks for your kind words...i will pass your message to her..i hope i make it to Dubai very soon...Anand and Nitu ,please keep on collecting gifts for Ramesh..thanks for inviting.

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  10. So true, R., we really have to appreciate and learn to find our way, joyfully. Difficult, yes, but worth the effort. Thanks for the insightful examples and story. <3

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  11. wow great post, thanks! I know I'll be dead soon enough...so i try to enjoy as much as possible. Life is good! :)

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  12. "I'm dying and I'm having fun, and I'm going to keep having fun every day I have left."...i loved this...amazing..the only motto in my life from today on..knowingly..i think i have done half justice practicing the same, unconsciously though.. :D :D

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  13. WOW!
    that's what i say the right attitude! I can identify with it!

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  14. That's inspiring. Randy Pausch's story.
    I believe in the philosophy of living every moment, not getting ready to live.

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  15. Good story. But is it possible for us, normal human beings. But this story inspires us to try at least, Ramesh.

    Good post. Thank you.

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  16. i suppose no one would understand the meaning of life till you face death close enough and i did that....i am a born again coz 2yrs back i almost permanantely signed off. lol!!! good to live again.

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  17. Thanks for reminding about important things Ramesh.

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  18. Bhai, this is a really nice piece, thanks a lot for sharing.

    Well yes, very true - life is unpredictably short, we better make the most of every day, making everyone around us smile :)

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  19. Chetto..

    I get depressed when I think of my personnal tragedies...took place recently..had n accident lost my uncle...eh..sorry if it bothered you...

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  20. The post reminded me of one of my favourite books, Tuesdays with Maurie. I suggest it to everyone I know. :)

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