We are called to be better to one another. Not perfect. Just better. Kinder. Gentler. Quieter when we want to shout. Open when we’d rather close off. The world doesn’t just need more opinions. It requires more heart.
Celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day extends beyond enjoying the festive greenery and toasting to good health—it’s about appreciating the legacy of a man whose resilience, convictions, and contributions have echoed through the centuries. His life, a blend of adversity and profound commitment, offers us a blueprint for leading lives of purpose and intention. Here’s how you can weave the essence of Saint Patrick’s teachings into the fabric of your everyday life:
During my morning walk today, I reflected on how leaders must navigate the complex landscape of belief and faith. Although people often use these two concepts interchangeably, they have distinct meanings.
Previous generations have had to confront more difficult challenges without anywhere near our current scientific or economic advantages. My mom (and dad) lived through The Great Depression and multiple recessions, globally threatening illnesses like Polio and Tuberculosis, world wars, and significant socio-political upheaval. I never once heard her complain; instead, she looked for the good in others and did her best to bring out the best in herself. This pandemic (and life in general) isn’t about you, but instead about how you affect the environment and people around you. This has always been the test of a virtuous life. St. Patrick and my mom knew this, and that is why I acknowledge them today.
To my knowledge, the Vatican has never officially canonized Saint Patrick, but he remains on the list of saints. At times, the accomplishments of a life can stand on their own. I urge you to think about toasting Saint Patrick if you raise a glass this weekend. He was a special man who accomplished important things despite many difficulties and hardships. He prioritized others’ welfare and sparked a nation’s religious transformation.
As we approach the end of another year, I wanted to reach out and wish all my friends and colleagues—Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and all others—a happy holiday season. I have always believed that all great truths are universal and not bound by the parameters of any one faith. The spiritual similarities across cultures and countries are more numerous than not. After all, my belief system begins with and intersects with another faith. What unites us as human beings is much more powerful than what divides us. We are all in search of answers to life’s most profound questions.
I’ve always believed that if you want to know who a person really is, give them money and power. Once the basics are covered, you can focus on what you want rather than what you need. In addition, when you’ve already distanced yourself from the pack, you don’t need to be that concerned about its problems or issues. You can forge ahead with your agenda, whatever that ends up being. Gated communities, exclusive private clubs, personal jets, and luxury hotels may protect you from the masses. However, they can also stunt your perspective and limit your personal and professional context.
I don’t often write about spiritual or faith issues in my blog because for the most part I believe these are personal decisions. There are also many other people more capable and better equipped than me to address the issue. I’m comfortable in my own beliefs and hope you are in your own as well. However, I do feel strongly that there is a direct correlation between an individual’s belief structure and their level of happiness and capacity for resilience. Life is much more meaningful if you believe you are part of something bigger than yourself and there is a reason for being here beyond survival and personal comfort.
Bad things do happen in life. Sometimes they test our emotional and physical fortitude but we have to persevere anyway. There really is no other acceptable choice but to be resilient in the face of pain and adversity even when it really hurts.
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