The Meaning of Life

On a recent trip to the New England Mobile Book Fair in Newton Highlands, I was browsing the kids' section with my son when "Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life" by Wendy Mass popped out at me from the stacks.  OK -- so maybe I'm not the most avid reader since I typically head to the kids' section. Yet, the meaning of life is something we all hope to learn, especially when things are not going as expected.  What could be better on a long winter day than indulging in a good book to uncover one of the deepest mysteries of all time? 

As I cuddled up at home with my new discovery, I learned that Jeremy, nearing his 13th birthday, received a mysterious box in the mail from his father who passed away several years before.  Because the keys are missing and there is no other way to open the intricate box, Jeremy and his fearless friend Lizzie set off on an adventure that includes taking NY subways, flea markets, hula hooping, fortune tellers in Atlantic City, and being escorted in a limo to deliver precious objects to strangers.  Along the way, Jeremy and Lizzie search for meaning in their world, talking to all types of people.  It is a fun, easy read with an ending that gives you pause along with a few tears streaming down your face. 

The book also includes a wonderful Cherokee legend: an old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.  "It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."  The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"  The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Perhaps, as Jeremy learns, the meaning of life can be found in a string full of individual special moments : your first home run, your first kiss, high school graduation, laughing with a best friend, the day your child came into your life, etc.  Although we know when these moments occur, sometimes we let go of them too soon and forget the wonderful feeling we have inside.  Instead, try to see each of these moments as a piece of yarn and imagine creating the most comforting blanket with them to warm you in times of stress or trouble.  Keep your problems in perspective and know they are only temporary.  This, too, shall pass.  Mistakes and worries are part of life but they do not define who you are.  Instead of concentrating on the negative, remember your own special meaning in this world, created strand by strand by you.  Feed the good and your mind will benefit greatly.