Mindset
Choose Love Not Fear
“You can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.”
– Jim Carrey
I recently listened to Jim Carrey’s commencement address at the Maharishi University of Management graduation ceremony.
Not the one that is edited and reformatted for maximum drama on quick social feeds, but the one that lasts close to 30 minutes and takes the listener through a real journey of self-reflection and purpose.
If you’ve never listened to Jim Carrey’s full commencement speech, it’s worth your time.
https://youtu.be/oPtftLhSnlY?si=2RKn-wwIevdryii3
Jim is a profound thinker, and his challenges with depression and mental health have been rather public at times. But he’s not afraid of that, because it all contributes to this truth we all seek, the question of why we matter. Why we are here…….
“The effect you have on others is the most valuable currency because everything you gain in life will rot and fall apart and all that will be left of you is what was in your heart.” JC
The speech is full of really valuable thoughts and stories. It is a tapestry of experiences that have revealed to Jim over time why he was meant to do what he has done.
After telling the story of how he watched his father make a choice not to follow his dreams, and toil and eventually fail doing what he disliked simply out of a sense of responsibility, he shared his wish for himself, the quote with which I began this post.
Afterward, he reveals an incredible piece of art, 20+ feet high and at least 10 feet wide with vibrant colors and an explosive light in the shape of a cross that cuts the images behind into various caricatures of the ego.
“Your Ego will not let you rest until you have left an indelible mark on the earth. Until you have achieved immortality. How tricky is this ego that tempts us with something we already possess?” JC
We are already enough, nothing we achieve or accumulate will make us more.
He points out that our ego misguides us, and takes us on paths intentionally just to avoid our truth, as though our truth will somehow disappoint. When in reality, it is everything we need.
“Relax and dream up and great life”, he says, egging on the graduating class to simply allow themselves to listen to their hearts and imagine the possibilities.
“As far as I can tell, it’s just about letting the universe know what you want, and working toward it, while letting go of how it comes to pass.” JC
We seek to control, especially what we can’t control. Instead, we should simply control our effort and creativity, focusing them on the faith that something good will come of it.
“Hope walks through the fire, and faith leaps over it.” JC
Find what makes you sing inside and never stop singing that song. It’s what you are meant for……
“Choose love and don’t ever let fear turn you against your playful heart.” JC
Have faith…..
