Integration 3 Anderson 1 A Letter to the Past Dear 10 year old Olivia, You’ve had an interesting couple years to say the least. I know hearing everyone talk about how great Grandma Anderson and Grandpa Fancher were and how good their lives were–even if that was just how friends and family members perceived them–was a bit overwhelming. It has probably led you to be thinking about how you want to live your life and what even constitutes a good life. I wish I could say the next few years clear those questions up. Some parts of what you want your future to be will become more clear while some things will be even more complicated. Despite this, I have developed a rough idea of what a life well-lived looks like. In order to live a life well-lived, you have to figure out and do what you love, build and sustain relationships, and work to help others as much as you can. One of the most important things to do in order to live a good life is to figure out and do what you love. Every experience you have or hardship you go through will mold you into the person you are meant to be (“Navigating Your Career Journey” by Notre Dame CCD - Moreau FYE Week Four). Even if you struggle through an algebra class or a chemistry class, the hardships narrow down what you’re passionate about. More importantly, new experiences will open up new possibilities. You may join a club or a team and realize how much you love making music or public speaking. You may be given an opportunity to speak to a large group of people about something you are passionate about. All of these experiences will highlight things you love to do. Actively participating in things you like to do leads to a well-lived life in general. Finding out what you love to do comes from self-reflection and taking breaks when needed, even if it feels like you do not have the time (“Why We Need to Slow Down Our Lives” by Pico Iyer - Moreau FYE Week One). It may feel like you are getting more and more behind, but that is not https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau/ https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/ Anderson 2 the case. You have to be able to take a breath to figure out what really makes you tick. Only then can you move forward and put forth your best work possible. A well lived life will also include building and sustaining relationships. I know you want to be as independent as possible, that is not something that is going to change anytime soon. However, you still need to lean on other people sometimes, especially your parents. Mom and Dad occasionally know you better than you know yourself. They can see your passions and dreams. They want what is best for you and will offer advice if they think that you need it (“Week Five Discernment Conversation Activity” by - Moreau FYE Week Five). They are able to possibly filter through thoughts that get too jumbled in the echo chamber of your mind. It does not matter if you mean to be stuck in your head or not, sometimes it is going to be out of your control. You have to rely on your family to help you through it (“The right way to be introspective (yes, there’s a wrong way” by Tasha Eurich - Moreau FYE Week Six). You also need to be open to relationships with people–friends, colleagues, classmates–who you may not agree with, even if you have preconceived judgements against them (“Tattoos on the Heart, Chapter 8” by Greg Boyle - Moreau FYE Week Seven). They do not have to be close relationships, but it is essential to know and understand people of different points of view. Different opinions do not always have to lead to animosity. However, in the quest to form these relationships, it is also important to make sure that you do not let anyone treat you poorly. You have to stand up for yourself. As important relationships are in a well-lived life, no relationship is worth you being mistreated. A life well lived has to include helping others. Your skills mean very little if you 1) brag about them and 2) only keep them to yourself. That does not mean that you have to give away every part of yourself. Still, you have to try to do as much as possible for other people. This https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ENiMKell1Re4yMbLnyx9hGa7ImZ8tVvmK5XKXT8USq0/edit https://ideas.ted.com/the-right-way-to-be-introspective-yes-theres-a-wrong-way/ https://ideas.ted.com/the-right-way-to-be-introspective-yes-theres-a-wrong-way/ https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/38593/files/524001?module_item_id=168039 https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/38593/files/524001?module_item_id=168039 Anderson 3 should influence your career choice and also your decisions as to how you want to live your life outside of work (“Three Key Questions” by Fr. Michael Himes - Moreau FYE Week Three). Helping people can be extremely difficult, especially if you do it by yourself. This requires others to help in your endeavors. The best thing to keep in mind is your end goal. You can disagree with people in other ways, but you have to be able to put that aside to get the job done (“Hesburgh” by Jerry Barca and Christine O’Malley - Moreau FYE Week Two). The net benefits of the success of helping others will outweigh the strife caused by opposing opinions. Even though it is daunting to consider, a well-lived life can be achieved by understanding and doing what you love, cultivating and sustaining relationships, and doing your best to help others. Your passions can be discovered through different experiences and self-reflection. Relationships are essential in helping you filter through the thoughts in your mind that may be irrational. They can also open your mind to new points of view, just be careful to always stay true to yourself in the relationships you obtain. Helping others is extremely fulfilling. If you have the skills and abilities to help, you should use them. Sometimes you have to work with people you do not necessarily agree with, but as long as the job gets done and the end goal is accomplished, it is alright. The ends will be justified by the means. You do not have to have everything figured out now or even years into the future. Just keep doing what you are doing, make room for others, and you will be just fine. You have some big years ahead of you, so be excited! Lots of love, Nineteen year old Olivia P.S. Watch out for Isaac getting taller than you, he’ll gloat forever (little brothers tend to do that). https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/38593/files/470631?module_item_id=145531 https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10159379-7eca-4549-8581-ab9500c9ecd9 Anderson 4