Yusman_Capstone Integration Professor Wagner Moreau FYE April 28, 2022 Finding the Life I Live to Die For What does it mean to “pursue a life well-lived”? In the article Why we need to slow down our lives, Pico Lyer talks about how sometimes we need to “[not] just do something,” but instead, “Sit there” (“Why we need to slow down our lives” by Pico Lyer - Moreau FYE Week 1). So, then, a life well lived may not be one filled with activity as many would think. I know that I personally have fallen into this trap of believing that a well-lived life is one full of activity. Often times in school, including here at Notre Dame, I’ve attempted to find a fulfilling semester by filling it with activities and classes. However, I’ve quickly found myself overwhelmed and burnt out, wishing I had time to just “sit there” and think abut life. Interestingly, this mistake is one I’ve made outside my direct actions, but in my personal mission statement as well. Initially, I described my mission as one involving “constant” learning, working for others, and seeking out challenges. Sure, these things are good and honorable, but I still leave no time for rest. In comparison, Notre Dame’s mission statement describes goals of “disciplined habits of mind, body, and spirit” for its students (“Mission” by Notre Dame - Moreau FYE Week 13). Within this lies this idea of rest and tending to one’s self rather than a constant push to “do.” Taking these lessons into account in my own life, then, I may begin the pursuit of a life well-lived not as a sprint, but a jog. In moderation and consideration for my well-being while pushing to do all I can for others. https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/ https://www.nd.edu/about/mission/ Now that I know how I will approach this life well-lived, what does it consist of? What will I do to pursue it? Well, Notre Dame’s Center for Career Development says that these choices should be based on my values, interests, personality, and skills(VIPS) (“Navigating Your Career Journey” by Notre Dame CCD- Moreau FYE Week 4). This certainly seems like a solid starting point. In my journey so far at Notre Dame I’ve already used these VIPS without knowing to pick my classes and activities in my free time. My choice of major, decision to start climbing, and even the people I interact with all have come down to these core things about myself. Looking into the future then, I can apply these to new opportunities, relationships, and life choices to guide my pursuit of a life well-lived. Stepping back and taking a look at my life, how do I want my pursuit do be remembered? In the practice of memento mori revived by Sister Alethia, Sister Aletheia, she suggests asking “Where am I headed, where do I want to end up?” (“Meet the nun who…” by Ruth Graham - Moreau FYE Week 3). Looking again at my mission statement, I can tell that I put emphasis on helping others. Agreed with by my girlfriend when, in a conversation about who I am as a person, she said that “I value the humanity of individuals and feel that many people do not get the respect they deserve.” (Discernment Conversation with Kelsey Goldwein - Moreau FYE Week 5). Thus, I know that in pursuing a life well lived I should seek to help those around me and in my communities, working to value their humanity when others may not see them so. Thus, when I die I might be remembered in this way, and maybe even guide others to do likewise. It is in this way that I will work to pursue a life well-lived over the next three years of my life, and likely into the future. Taking courses that lead me towards helping others, but giving time for rest, and finding community around those traits most central to myself. Through these https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/us/memento-mori-nun.html concepts and my mission statement, then I may find a life well-lived, and live it so that I shall be remembered for it when I die.