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Joy.

Posted on July 29th, 2008 by On a Limb w/ Claudia

What can I add to a conversation about someone that so many people have talked about?

Dr. Randy Pausch died last week.  He was forty-seven years old and had three children.  The cancer that killed him was no sissy.  Pancreatic cancer is like drawing the shortest straw in the “who gets eaten first” contest.  It is a painful, awful, twisted disease that defies treatment and explanation.  Most people climb into bed where they beg for morphine drips and a quick death.

And yet, in this condition, Dr. Pausch chose to change our lives.

Why did he do it?

He said he did it for his three young children.  Why?

Because he lived joyfully.  He pursued joy in the way that many people pursue money, fame or sexual conquest.  He wanted his children to see that joy was possible.

Follow your bliss, encourages Joseph Campbell.  Dr. Pausch lived that bliss.

In honor of Dr. Pausch, for the month of August, I am going to actively, purposely and with intention pursue joy.  Will you join me?

Filed under: About Claudia, Going out on a limb, Meme, The nerdiverse, Thoughts on being human...., Thursday Thirteen, Update

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11 Responses to “Joy.”

  1. Fear and Parenting in Las Vegas, on July 29th, 2008 at 1:31 pm Said:

    I am so with you. After the July I’ve had, I’m so ready to move on, and in a positive way.

  2. jameil, on July 29th, 2008 at 1:37 pm Said:

    YES! To joy!!!

  3. Jill, on July 29th, 2008 at 3:49 pm Said:

    I heard about this on the radio show I listen to every morning. The DJ played his speech and I had tears in my eyes when it was all done. He really puts things into perspective.

  4. cajunvegan, on July 29th, 2008 at 6:23 pm Said:

    In keeping with my resolution to “be the change,” I will do my best. Thanks for the reminder to “follow my bliss.”

  5. CEO, on July 29th, 2008 at 6:46 pm Said:

    In memory of Dr. Randy Pausch, to following and living in bliss, and thank you Claudia for your leadership in persuing excellence.

  6. Cap, on July 29th, 2008 at 6:48 pm Said:

    I don’t think there is a better goal than pursuing joy. Count me in :)

  7. tommie, on July 29th, 2008 at 10:43 pm Said:

    my daily goal in life

  8. Sandier Pastures, on July 30th, 2008 at 12:08 am Said:

    You know I’m in! I’ll try to live in joy everyday…not only for myself but for my daughter also. :-)

  9. TWM, on July 30th, 2008 at 3:35 am Said:

    Let’s see…hmmmm, checking day planner…..hmmm OK august looks good for me.

  10. Lauren, on July 30th, 2008 at 5:24 pm Said:

    I’m definitely with you. I can use some more joy in my life!

  11. lone grey squirrel, on July 31st, 2008 at 4:07 am Said:

    Sorry to hear of his passing but he has left something truly valuable for his children and all of us.

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