Intergration Three


Who was he?
Up to this point, time and time again He found himself overwhelmed with this tough life and
everyday task. Along the way with the guidance of friends, family, and more importantly God.
He had learned how to handle Himself without completely breaking down and giving up. In week
one reading, it tells us why it is important to reflect, slow down, and take a break from the things
we do all the time. In the reading “Congressman Tim Ryan leads his colleagues in the House of
Representatives in a session of sitting still, reminding them that, if nothing else, it’s been found
by scientists that meditation can lower blood pressure, help boost our immune system, and
even change the architecture of our brains.” Like I mentioned in that week's response, this quote
really resonated with him. I remember after coming back to his room and doing exactly what
Tim’s said, He immediately became more relaxed. Often times when he was caught up in just
getting done what he need to get done, He forget to reflect and relax and simply just be still and
breathe. One day after this module he was reflecting and remembered that there was a bible
verse that tells us to do the same thing Tim mentioned. It reads Psalm 46:10 “ Be still, and know
that I am God”. This was incredibly powerful to him and also made him feel refreshed each time
he read it after feeling worn out and overwhelmed. To him, this way of life is what he would call
a life well-lived. He wanted to be remembered as a God-fearing man when his time came to
leave this earth. Remembered as someone who was strong in faith and striving to do God's
work here on earth.

In week 2 we discuss inspirations of a life well-lived. I remember in the video someone
saying  “ I think we were all in aww of such an incredible life” (1:43:21). This quote says a lot
specifically about the things he did while he was alive. It is super inspiring to see that he lives on
in the memory of other people and even in other ways such as history boards and things like
that. I feel as Prince wanted to be remembered like this too. This inspired him to want to be
impactful in this world to where he would have the same effect on people after he was gone as
well. In the video, he mentions how he turns away from his wealth and really immerses himself
in the lives of others. Simple that act is just extraordinary and is something Prince wanted to try
and replicate in his life. The sort of selflessness he showed throughout his life is awesome,  I
feel like that is a recipe to a life well-lived. This aspect coupled with Prince’s personal Goals I
mentioned in the paragraphs above is how he would define a life well-lived.

Week three talks about keeping in mind that no one will live forever and that everyone
must die sometimes. Eventually, Prince thought this way of thinking was unusual at first but
soon he realized it made sense. A quote from week three's module said that “ remembering
death keeps us awake, focused, and ready for whatever might happen — both the
excruciatingly difficult and breathtakingly beautiful.” I understand why Prince that this was
unusual but I am glad that he comprehended the true meaning of what this quote says. He
made it a priority from that point on to live this way. Knowing that every little word can either be
negative or positive. Knowing that his days on this earth were numbered and to make the most
of each and every second. I remember soon after he learned this he was a totally different
person. Always full of life and love and joy. Constantly trying to bring those same feelings to
everyone he crossed paths with. Prince wanted to be remembered as someone who put others
first in every situation.

Week four talks about some of the careers an individual could choose to ultimately make
them feel they have lived a great life. Prince wasn’t really sure what career he wanted to pursue



for the rest of his life but whatever it was. He wanted it to be meaningful not only to himself but
others too. “Planning your career is much like planning a trip.” He struggled early on to find the
right career path for him. During his time at Notre Dame, this quote stuck out to him and he
relayed it to me. He mentioned that this is interesting but easier said than done. He planned
trips all the time but it was nothing like planning his career out. Eventually, he found something
that he enjoyed and did it for the rest of his life.

In week five he discussed with a coach that he was very close with back in his home
state. They were instructed to have a conversation concerning when his coach had seen him at
his best moments. I remember prince saying that the conversation was insightful and interesting
for a few reasons. After all the questions he had asked his coach, he told me that all the
responses had something to do with football. This made him feel indifferent. He believed and
knew that life was much more than football and ultimately, yes he wanted to be remembered as
an individual who was good at football but also someone who was much more than football. As I
mentioned above, he wanted to be a spiritual person who influenced and impacted other
people's lives for the better.

Week six tells us about how we can handle obstacles in our lives. Oftentimes Prince
would harp on the negative. Always talking about the negative. He would always tell me this or
that sucks or he wishes this didn’t happen or he doesn’t know why he has to do this. But after
reading this quote from someone who is constricted to a wheelchair he quickly humbled himself.
“So I always focused on what I cannot do”. During that module, he saw how that person
eventually changed his perspective and learned to focus on the things he does have and the
things he can do, and the impact he can make. Prince really enjoyed this. He thought it was
amazing that someone in that situation can continue to see the good and opportunities in life.
Prince took this to heart and eventually became a person who brought positivity to every
situation no matter how ugly it looked.

Week seven tells us about relationships of a life well-lived. Prince understood the true
value of relationships. “Love You G-Dawg”.This type of interaction is one he had in nearly all of
his relationships. Growing up he had plenty of great relationships and plenty of people who
wanted to see him succeed. This resulted in him continuing to place the same value on
relationships throughout his whole life. He was someone that if you got a chance to really speak
to him and build a relationship with him you would remember it forever. In conclusion, Prince
was a great individual. There was more to him than meets the eye. I think its safe to say that he
reached his Goals and left his mark here on earth