I just watched Michael J Fox’s special on happiness, and found his closing words very inspiring. Enjoy! (And be sure to watch it if you missed it)
“For everything this disease has taken, something of greater value has been given. Sometimes, it’s just a marker that points me in a new direction that I might otherwise not have traveled. So sure, it may be one step forward and two steps back, but after a time with Parkinson’s I’ve learned that what’s important is making that one step count. It’s evident in Tracy’s love and inexhaustible friendship, the toothless grip in Esma’s smilie, Aquinna’s grace, Schuyler’s grip, Sam’s intrepid curiosity. Since I’m not sure of which address to send my gratitude, I put it out there in everything I do. Its my ongoing journey and what I’ve discovered is that optimists are open to alternatives in the face of adversity- they deal with reality head on. That hope flourishes in groups and resonates when people are doing what they love and that happiness is contagious- you can give it out like newspapers and feel it in everything you do.”
Great post as usual! I remember when I first heard of Michael J. Fox and his illness I was shocked and deeply saddened that someone who brought a smile to my face by his jokes and brought audiences excitement through his movies was now ill. I took some time this week to think about what I want to do with my life as far as what I want to be remembered by. I came to the conclusion that one day I would like to give back by starting a college fund for unprivileged children or start some sort of non-profit. I realize that I want to be remembered for the good I did and not by what I accomplished only. Thanks for this great post!
I think that is very true. The more you chase anything it will always seem to elude you. Many of the best things in life just pop out of nowhere when you weren’t expecting it. Let things happen don’t force them.
Wow, these are both such great quotes. Thanks for sharing them! It’s hard to stop going after something when you really want it, but Thoreau was right in that sometimes we have to stop chasing things. I know this first hand. It wasn’t until I stopped looking for love that it found me. Michael J Fox is an amazing human being, and the courage with which he has faced his disease and made the most of his life is so inspiring.