The story that changed my life (my shortened version):
During Senior School, Teacher X told the class he would get a pet goldfish for them to attend to over the school year. However, under no circumstance was anyone to touch the goldfish. If they did it was a suspension, no questions asked. The class set about feeding the fish and keeping its tank clean. After a few months, once everyone has become invested in the fish, the teacher walks over to the talk, scoops out the fish in a net and puts it on the floor. The fish is flapping about dying. The class is stunned watching this fish, unsure what to do insight of the suspension warning. After not too long, two girls run over and pick up the fish. They put it back in the fish tank. The teacher tells them to go get their bags, they knew the rules. The class is in shock. The girls pick up their bags and leave the classroom. The teacher sticks his head out of the door as they walk off and yells out, ‘And, hold your heads up high because you did the right thing.’ The teacher turns back to the class and tells everyone, ‘Often in life, doing the right thing isn’t easy or can come with consequences. You do it anyway.’
This story is from Jason Reynolds. It was on the Podcast Masterpieces and Messes between Brene Brown and Jason Reynolds. Such a powerful way to learn a life lesson isn’t it? The whole podcast is full of amazing stories.
Also did you see that Brene is taking the summer off. A 14-week sabbatical, going dark on social media as well. It is a great reminder that as we are able to become more and more connected, time away is the real gift.
Time off social media is needed for our personal recalibration. It won’t be easy, we know these digital social sites are built for addiction. We must in turn remain conscious of our use. Choose how we use it, not letting it pull us and us scrolling away as if it is possible to find the end of the Internet.
MOVIES WATCHED
Drive My Car. Based on one of the short stories from Haruki Murakami’s book, Men Without Women. It was long and slowly paced, but I enjoyed it for what it was. As long as you are happy to be sitting for almost three hours at a slow pace, just as a car ride is I guess, then this movie is O.K.
The Imitation Game. Based on the true story of Alan Turing solving the Enigma machine. A great movie. I might be biased by the fact that I am yet to not enjoy a performance by Benedict Cumberbatch. The movie was humorous, thrilling and also deeply sad based on the reality of the situation that took Alan’s life. I would recommend this movie to anyone.
MORE ARTICLES
I have been writing up a storm, answering questions daily over on Quora to get in more writing practice. This link is to follow me there to know about those as they are published. Here is a list of some I have published here on Substack too:
My answer to: What do you think is your true purpose in life?
The best life advice I co-created with my Uncle.
Life Lessons I wish I had lived from my twenties.
The best life advice you would give in just one line.
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Thanks,
Ta
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