Morrie Essay

Every day is a new beginning. Whatever happened yesterday, or the week before, or even the month before doesn’t matter. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind. Morrie, who is one of the main characters, made the most out of every day, even though things weren’t looking good for him. He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. His friend Mitch’s positive outlook helped both of them make it through. You always have to be ready for the unexpected occurrences because your life can change in a matter of seconds. “Dying is only one thing to be sad over, living unhappily is something else.” This quote defines how people should live, everyday. There are many lessons that people learn through experiences in their lives. Tuesdays with Morrie lets the reader put their own life into perspective.

"Life is a series of pulls back and forth. You want to do one thing, but you are bound to do something else. Something hurts you, yet you know you shouldn’t. You take certain things for granted, even when you know you should never take anything for granted.” I’ve learned not to take anything for granted. You should always live everyday as if it were your last. Always reach for your goals and follow your dreams and never let anyone stop you. There isn’t any time to hold grudges, forgive and forget.

After reading Tuesdays with Morrie, I think differently about facing death. Many people are extremely scared, as was I, of death of many reasons. One being that once you are gone, there could be a chance that you may be forgotten. Morrie said, "I don’t think I will be forgotten. I’ve got so many people who have been involved with me in close, intimate ways. And love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone." This made me realize the more involved a person is with other people around them, there is better chance that person will never be forgotten.

Morrie speaking to Mitch every Tuesday about a different lesson in life helped Mitch really understand how Morrie felt with everything. He looked foward to Mitch's company to speak with him. A particular part in Tuesdays with Morrie that caught my attention was when Mitch asked if he felt sorry for himself. Morrie never thought he would have to depend on other people for the easiest things. Morrie says how he gives himself a good cry if he needs it, but he still thinks about all the good things in his life. Mitch, and all the people who still care about him enough to come see him are the good things. I also believe that Morrie is a very strong person. Even though he is suffering, he still has his positive outlook on life. It also made me keep a positive outlook on my own life. After experiencing someone very close to me passing away from Cancer, it was hard to keep this positive outlook. Morrie can actually motivate someone to keep going after they have been diagnosed with a life threatening disease or know someone close to them who was.

The lessons that he taught Mitch were very valuable and true. After learning about Morrie's strength and courage it allowed me to view my life differently. I learned that I should be thankful for the life I am given and spend much time with family and friends. I also am more focused on living each day at a time instead of worrying about what I will be doing a week or month from now. I discovered that each day is precious and should never be wasted.