integration #3 Riley 1 Kiara Riley Moreau First Year Experience Professor Retartha 4 March 2022 The Final Chapter of My Life How do I define a “life well-lived?” This question specifically resonated with me because it allowed me to analyze my current position in life and ponder about what has brought me both happiness and sadness throughout the years. I realized that one aspect of my life that has brought me extreme happiness is taking time to meditate and reflect on my lifestyle choices, relationships and feelings. Taking time to think about how I feel and why I feel that way really helped me genuinely manage my emotions as a teenager and as an adult. As Pico Iyer explains in his article, alone and peaceful time enables individuals to remove themselves from reality and come to terms with their deep and vulnerable emotions and feelings. Living a life well-lived means taking time out of the day to contact these deep emotions and being aware of them. Iyer states, “It’s only by stepping farther back and standing still that we can begin to see what that canvas (which is our life) really means, and to take in the larger picture” (“Why we need to slow down our lives” by Pico Iyer - Moreau FYE Week One). Iyer discusses that “being still” through this reflection process also allows us to comprehend the broader meaning of our lives. This concept of “being still” is really important to me and is a large aspect of my definition for a life well-lived. Although self-reflection has definitely helped me through difficult situations growing up, I always have to remember that intense self-reflection does have its dangers as well. As Tasha Eurich explains, “Sometimes it may surface unproductive and upsetting emotions that can swamp and impede positive action” (“The right way to be introspective: yes there’s a wrong way” by Tasha Eurich - Moreau FYE Week Six). Eurich discusses how self-reflection may not always lead to happiness and more clarity. Overthinking can bring thoughts and emotions that Riley 2 can cause one to feel overwhelmed and confused. This inevitably happened to me multiple times as a teenager. As I grew older, however, I learned how to avoid this from happening by making sure that I do not overanalyze my decisions and feelings. Another huge aspect of my definition of a “live well-lived” is service and helping others. My life has been well-lived because I have devoted a majority of it to helping others and giving back to the world. As stated in the Hesburgh Film, “... we all have a duty to serve and give back” (“Hesburgh” by Jerry Barca and Christine O’Malley - Moreau FYE Week Two). I completely agree with this statement because I strongly believe that we all have a “duty” and responsibility to give back and lend a hand to others in every way we possibly can. Years ago, I chose my undergraduate major and career because of this strong belief. I majored in political science and pursued a very successful career in law. I used my law degree to serve and represent individuals who face inequalities. I knew, even in college, that I wanted to be the voice of the underrepresented and work with communities of individuals who are less fortunate than myself. What would be observable signs that I lived a life well-lived? This question is quite easy to answer. An observable sign that I lived a life well-lived is that I chose a career that challenges and brings me out of my comfort zone. As Father Michael Himes explains, one should “look for the task that will continue to stretch you” (“Three Key Questions” by Father Michael Himes - Moreau FYE Week Three). I successfully chose a career that allows me to both serve others and, at the same time, grow and expand my knowledge. Growth, in my opinion, is essential for a life well-lived, and it is, therefore, a large aspect of my definition for a life well-lived. Along the same lines, balance is another key component for a life well-lived. Growth and balance can coexist and one of my life goals was to find a balance between my career/academics and personal life. I am proud to say that I did successfully manage to meet this goal. During this Riley 3 process, however, of determining and solidifying my career, it was important to be aware of the fact that it takes time to come to a final decision. As it states in “Navigating Your Career Journey - Moreau First Year Experience Course” , “It’s not a one-step process” (“Navigating Your Career Journey - Moreau First Year Experience Course” - Moreau FYE Week Four). The process of selecting a career is not a “one-step process”. It is, instead, a series of forward and backward steps an individual takes in order to determine what he or she is truly interested in and passionate about. One should never rush when deciding what he or she wants to pursue as an adult. This process is not linear and one should seek others for help when needed as well, like I did. Another observable sign that I lived a life well-lived is that I have healthy relationships with my family and friends. Having healthy relationships is an important aspect of my life and I am so thankful that I do currently have strong relationships with each of my family members and all of my friends. My relationship with my mom, specifically, is very special to me. She knows me better than any individual and knows exactly what I need to hear when I need advice. I asked her once, “What do you think I value and desire in life? Why?” She quickly responded by explaining that I value trust more than anything (My mom - Moreau FYE Week Five). This answer is very accurate because I strongly believe that honesty, being genuine, and trust is the basis of every relationship one can have in his or her life. Whether the relationship is platonic or romantic, trust and honesty is what makes relationships meaningful and real. I always remembered this when I was put into environments where I had to make friends and establish relationships with others because I knew it would guarantee meaningful relationships in the end. Relationships are what keeps me going and what have kept me going throughout my entire life. As Pope Francis says, “the future is made of yous, it is made of encounters, because life flows through our relations with others” (“Why the only future worth building includes everyone” by Riley 4 His Holiness Pope Francis, TED Conferences - Moreau FYE Week Seven). Pope Francis is accurate in that our relationships with other human beings is what makes life important, valuable and worth living. I would not be here today without my family members and friends who have helped me overcome some serious personal struggles and challenges. As I lay here and enter into the last chapter of my life, I reflect on all of these aspects of my life journey that made my life very well-lived. Self-reflection, being patient, serving and helping others, and maintaining healthy relationships is what made my life well-lived. I desire to be remembered as a girl who put others before herself and as someone who unconditionally loved and supported her family members and friends. As I motionlessly lay on this bed surrounded by family members and friends, I can safely say that I definitely lived a life well-lived.