"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced.
Live your life in such a way that when you die
the world cries and you rejoice."

– Native American Proverb

In my presentations, I try to use the time just before we start and whenever we have a break to introduce the participants to one or more of my favorite quotes. This quote is one that never fails to bring smiles and nods of understanding and appreciation. I like this quote because it seems to speak to the value of living "on purpose," or in a purposeful manner from several perspectives. The first is the most obvious... to live our life in such a way that we will be missed. This, of course, means to connect with people in a way that enriches the lives of all concerned (including ourselves:-). When we do this, we will very naturally be missed when we die, or those with whom we come in contact will understandably feel sad when we are no longer a part of their lives. While none of us would intentionally wish sadness on others, it's probably fair to say that we all want to be missed.

I believe that there is a second meaning in this quote, however, that might be of even more value as we seek to live a more purposeful life now. Notice that the second half of the quote says, "Live your life in such a way that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." I believe that this not only speaks to how those we "leave behind" will miss us, but also gives us a clue to what this "more meaningful life" might look like. The clue is the word "rejoice." Of course, anytime we put the prefix "re" in front of a word, this means to "do again." In applying this to living life, what the term "rejoice" seems to be alluding to is not only celebrating (rejoicing), but also to once again experience joy.

I like this concept because it implies that if our life has been a joyful experience, we will experience that joy when we die. This is different from the belief that "life is suffering" and that our "reward" is in the "afterlife." In fact, the "life as a joyful experience" belief in this quote is further reinforced by how others might mourn our passing. Just imagine how we might miss someone who spent their life spreading joy versus suffering. Further, isn't it true that in order to spread true joy, one must be able to create that joy within themselves? Isn't it also true that those who have spread suffering throughout their lives were people who were suffering inside?

Therefore, as we look for help or direction in how to live our lives, maybe we could pay more attention to the experience of "joy" as a guide. Creating joy within ourselves. Bringing joy to others. Doing things we enjoy, in joy. If we were able to create this joyful experience of life, do you think this might enrich our lives and the lives of those with whom we come in contact? If so, maybe this would then allow us to "rejoice" or experience joy when we die or leave this plane of existence and enter another. Either way, the worse thing that could happen is that we will have created a life of bringing joy to ourselves and others. The best-case scenario is that we will have created a bridge of love and joy from this world to the next. Pretty good reason to "rejoice," don't you think?

Take care and God bless, Dr. Bill