Tuesday, February 23, 2010

"Let's saddle up and ride"


"No matter how bad things are, you can always make them worse. At the same time it is often within your limits to make things better."Through the whole ordeal I don't think we ever said to each other, "this isn't fair. We kept going . We recognised that there were things we could do that might outcome in positive ways...and we did them. Without saying in words, our attitude was, Let's saddle up and ride."The Last Lecture, Randy Pausch

What would we do if we are told that we don't have enough time to live, would we prefer going into self dejection, mourning about the calamity that has struck, or would it be right to make use of the time that we have and enjoy it to the best of our abilities!
The last lecture is a novel based on a lecture given by Randy Pausch, a computer science professor and a highly experienced person who was diagnosed with terminal
cancer . Pausch decided to give a lecture that would be his last and a way to be remembered by the people he cared for...the lecture is not about his terminal illness but about "Achieving ones childhood dreams!"
Some people have this great positive energy about them, it's not that they don't feel unhappy, but they know how to make themselves happy with whatever limited reasons that they may have.
How easy or difficult is it, to generate positivity within oneself?....it sure can be difficult in situations like the one Randy was facing, but is it good to let go of the "now" and crib about something that might happen tomorrow...
As Robert Frost said, "life goes on", and therefore it's in our hands to make our journey as happy as possible. All of us go through our share of pain, all of us go through our share of discomfort and all of us are blessed with happiness as well, it's our decision as to what we concentrate on, the most.
In one part of the lecture, Randy describes " a way to understand optimism", he says that "my personal take on optimism is that as a mental state , it can enable you to do tangible things to improve your physical state. If you're optimistic you're better able to endure brutal chemo, or keep searching for late-breaking medical treatments."
Optimism is a key to a healthy life...life that smiles at you while you stand with open arms to embrace it, as and when it comes with different hues, that oft change our perspective and show us a new opening every time.
He sums up the lecture with the greatest truth behind a good life;
"It's not about how to achieve your dreams.It's about how to lead your life. If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself.The dreams will come to you."

12 comments:

Jayant Post said...

“I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”
Whenever i am in problem, i always remember this quote by Jimmy Dean and it has indeed helped me so much in my life. And truly your post reminded me of the same... beautifully portrayed... loved the post... thanks a lot...

Anya said...

Wonderful words written
so the truth ;)

Have a relaxing weekend ...

Kareltje =^.^=
Anya :-)

SindhuBhairavi said...

just loved that first line! its soo soo true!

a very good subject sana.. often, reading ur blog turns a lot of negative to postive!

take care..

Princess said...

hi Sana,
every post of yours is a true inspiration dear..
no words to say how much positivity this post brings upon me..

loads of luv as always..
and thanks so much for such a beautiful post friend.

കിരണ്‍ said...

Remembered "Veronica decides to die"

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hello Sana:)

Very informative and useful post.

Most of us often stressed with our inability to achieve our dreams spend most of our waking time worrying about our shortcomings and failures. We forget to live the moment and we squander time by idle thoughts.

If I had a few days to live, I will live calmly,peacefully, doing whatever I can, savouring each moment of the day, being happy, cheerful, smiliing and spreading little bit of happiness all around me. I will see carefully all the beauties and wonders happening all aroud me, bring in the spirit and joy of my childhood days when every little thing gave me immense happiness and thrill.

Many thanks for sharing this wonderful post. Very useful in these days when people are unnecessarily stressed over trivial things.

Have a nice day Sana:)
Joseph

Margaret Cloud said...

I think sometimes we do make matters worst, especially when struck by misfortune, this is interesting as usual and thought provoking. I can honestly say I really don't know what I would do, if told I only have a short time to live. I know I have a positive energy, this makes me not let things get me down. Thank you for sharing this and coming by. Have a nice day.

Zayida Muhammed said...

truly said...need not see death b4 us..people yearn death even 4 a small misfortune!..only positive thoughts can counteract them..and they come truly if we seek the right path...a warm motivating post!..:)

A New Beginning said...

Hi Jayant!nice quote :)This quote has been an inspiration for many including me, we all try to adjust our sails, it's just that some of us use all our strength while others give it a half hearted try..thanks for coming :)

Hey Anya!You too..thanks for coming by :)

Hi Sindhu, I'm glad that happens, will strive to reach the sunny side of life :)Thanks for coming!

Hey Charisma!Thanks a lot for coming and complimenting my post with such a warm comment:) Hpe to see you again!

Hey Kiran, thanks for coming..will check that one too!:)

Hello Mr. Joseph, Im sure you'd do that coz you are a true optimist:)thanks for the great comment!

Hey Margaret very true!Thanks for coming and have a great week ahead!:)

Hi Zayida, you are absolutely right, ppl do go deep down the negative instead looking for positivity....we all do that sometimes or the other and it's not fair since God has gifted us a beautiful life to cherish till the very end :)
Thanks for coming!!

sulagna said...

heyii this one post is dripping with sunshine and joy :) beautiful

A New Beginning said...

Thanks Sulagna!!great to see you here!

Zayida Muhammed said...

hi sana...salam alaikum..wud like to add u on my chat list and catch u sumtime..my id is chweetpreeth19@yahoo.co.in

hope u do..:)..