header

header

7.28.2008

Randy Pausch 1960-2008

A great inspiration, Randy Pausch, has died this weekend leaving behind his 3 young children and his beloved wife. I've written about him before, and I was deeply touched by his story in the last year but I think the gist of Randy's life lessons can best be summed up in his own words:

"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand."

"You just have to decide if you're a Tigger or an Eeyore. I think I'm clear where I stand on the great Tigger/Eeyore debate. Never lose the childlike wonder. It's just too important. It's what drives us."


I don't know how to not have fun. I'm dying and I'm having fun. And I'm going to keep having fun every day I have left. Because there's no other way to play it."

"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."

"The talk's not for you, it's for my kids."

Because of Randy, I take time out to "smell the roses" or in my case, go to the skate park more often. I began photographing beautiful things around me, I hugged my kids more, I sat down and colored more, I splashed in the puddles more, I said "thank you" more and "I love you" more. I drove with the windows down more, and ate picnics outside more and really tried to soak up and appreciate this life and my family more.

Donations can be sent to the Carnegie Mellon's Randy Pausch Memorial Fund

4 comments:

  1. He too changed my life as well.....I don't know how many times I watched his talk on you tube......and again....it is possible to turn a tragedy into a blessing...

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's amazing the number of lives he touched. He leaves behind quite a legacy - something his kids will be so proud of one day.

    ReplyDelete
  3. he is very inspiring. I love how he lived each day to the fullest instead of feeling sorry for himself. His family must be very proud of him and his accomplishments. Thats how i want to be.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jennifer,
    I recently watched Randy's speech and it was very profound. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and for the comment. Your blog is a lot of fun and I can certainly relate the all the mom/football/etc. stories. I have three boys myself and life gets pretty hairy sometimes! Best, from a fellow pittsburgher.

    ReplyDelete

Tell me what you think!

How to Avoid Stress At Work