Microsoft Word - Week 8- Integration 3.docx Moreau Integration Three How will Others Think of Me? Defining a Life Well-Lived When we investigate a life-well lived, we first must question what that means. In Father Michael Himes Three Key Question, Himes reflects on these words by poet Marianne Moore, “Satisfaction is a lowly thing. How pure a thing is joy” (“Three Key Questions” by Father Michael Himes – Moreau FYE Week Three). I think the main inquiry in evaluating a life well- lived is examining what brings us joy. Music, hanging out with friends, accomplishing tasks, and many other things bring me joy. Maybe maximizing a life well-lived means maximizing on those things that bring you joy. When I was interviewing my Irish Compass mentor, he remarked, “I love my job because it brings me joy. There is always something more to do” (“Week Five Irish Compass Activity” – Moreau FYE Week Five). Living a life-well lived includes being passionate about your career and choices as an adult as well. After investigating a life well-lived, we must pursue that life. Pope Francis emphasizes the urgency of our time here on earth: “life is not merely passing by, life is about interactions” (“Why the only future worth building includes everyone” by Pope Francis – Moreau FYE Week Seven). I must stay active in pursuing my passions, even when I feel discouraged or lack the motivation to. Even if this means taking 15 minutes to practice some piano or shooting a quick text to my friend, staying active in the things that bring me joy define a life-well lived. One of the most active things in my life right now is finding a career path. As the Meruelo Family Center of Career Development puts it, “It is a dynamic process with movement back and forth between stages” (“Navigating Your Career Journey - Moreau First Year Experience Course” by the Meruelo Family Center of Career Development – Moreau Week Four). I feel like I shift back and forth between stages of my career pursuit. At one moment I feel strongly about a certain career choice, but at other times I doubt myself. Living a life well-lived come with challenges like this. In his video essay, Aria Swarr reflects on his obstacles: “I was always so focused on what I cannot do. I complained that I couldn’t move my fingers, I couldn’t move my legs. But then I began to realize that some of the things that I can do, the movements that I have already, can be a blessing for some others” (“5 Minutes” by Aria Swarr – Moreau Week Six). Another element of living a life well-lived is having gratitude. Having gratitude makes it easier to have compassion and sympathy for others who don’t have the same privileges as you. We all must reflect on the positives in our lives and thank those that make those positives happen. Finally, I need to assess the performance of my life well-lived. In the words of Pico Iyer, “The need for an empty space, a pause, is something we have all felt in our bones; it’s the rest in a piece of music that gives it resonance and shape” (“Why we need to slow down our lives” by Pico Iyer – Moreau Week One). Meditation and prayer are great places where I can find inner peace and reflect on my life. Part of this assessment also includes identifying those who have helped you live a life well-lived. In particular, the Hesburgh film has inspired me to find compromises. In the Hesburgh film, Father Hesburgh simultaneously shows indifference to the Vietnam conflict while controlling student protests (“Hesburgh” by Jerry Barca and Christine O’Malley – Moreau Week Two). Living a life well-lived includes forging relationships even when there are differences. Eulogy “Good morning my friends. The large crowd ahead of me indicates the man Joey was and the number of lives he impacted. One of the most interesting things I found about Joey was his vigor and tenacity in pursuing his passions, and he had a lot of passions. Joey pursued a wide range of passions; he played many sports, enjoyed singing, and remained steadfast in his Catholic faith. I like to think Joey did all these things because he was a personable guy. He was selfless in every aspect of his life, and he was always putting others before himself. Joey was also an amazing family man. Before all else, Joey’s primary job was to be a loving husband and father. He raised four beautiful children and was married for 55 years to his lovely wife. From coaching youth sports to driving them to Church on Sunday, Joey stayed active in his children’s lives and interests. I think many of Joey’s qualities are reflected in his children. All of Joey’s children are smart, diligent, compassionate, and trustworthy. Joey always checked in on his siblings and parents. He was the master of small acts. Even if it were just a simple phone call, Joey was making sure all was alright in his family. As a Catholic, Joey was a faithful disciple of Christ whose faith ran much deeper than just weekly mass. Joey would lead his local parish in rosaries and faith formation. He cantored for his parish as well. A lot of Joey’s faith is also reflected in his good works. Joey was a firm believer that everyone held human dignity. Joey served in soup kitchens and donated to other charitable causes. He would not just simply serve and say have a good day. When he served the homeless, Joey invited the poor into conversation. He was always trying to gain insights from people who had different experiences from him. In addition, Joey was hardworking and boasted a strong work ethic. He worked right up until his untimely death. Joey was always a delight to his coworkers. He was an expert collaborator and consultant. Joey loved to think critically. From his years in the IT management sector, Joey became an amazing problem solver and a reliable teammate. He made the job fun by cracking jokes and lightening the mood when work got stressful. As I wrap up things, I just want to quickly remark on the incredible legacy Joey has left behind. He was a role model for so many people in his life. He truly was a renaissance man as well. In the words of his favorite saint, saint Maximillian Kolbe, Joey believed that ‘the most deadly poison of our time is indifference.’ I think these words accurately describe the dynamic, loving, and compassionate nature of the late . Thank you all for listening and God Bless every one of you!”