Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search For Meaning" can teach us the importance of finding a meaning to our lives whether it's through work, caring for others, or having dignity through our suffering.
My biggest lesson is that the most transformative events of my life are things I never would have voluntarily chosen. I would have never chosen to lose my career, never chosen the heartbreak of failed relationships, never chosen various health challenges.
But looking back, they were the catalysts for transformation and I wouldn’t change any of them.
Your words resonate deeply in the way that only the truth can. Reflecting on my own experiences I would have to agree with you, and it casts my challenges and struggles in a new light. Thank you.
Excellent tie in to Byron Katie - thanks Joaquin Roibal - may I throw an idea out? I am certain that Frankel was autistic. I am absolutely certain of it. That he was able to be both fully in the experience, and then step back with exceptional, scientifically, valid methodologies, and structure, his observations even of himself as one of the subjects of observation with such precision , tell me that he was likely autistic. My dog I named after him by the way and call him Vikky. (I was diagnosed Autistic at 60: Yale medical sociologist Columbia MPH 2 law degrees and 28 year law license - all as a high functioning (externally so) Autist)
I see parallels in that I can both be immersed in an experience and also pull from my multidisciplinary training to assess the experience I am experiencing.
So interesting to hear about your personal journey for meaning and how that relates to the work you do here. Even when we leave professions willingly, it can feel strange and empty until we start to make sense of this new opportunity. (At least this is what happened to me!)
Losing a job or especially a career for me was a plunge into cold and unknown waters. I am very fortunate to have discovered great people--such as yourself good doctor!--who are willing to lend a hand or an ear to listen. I am grateful for your comment thank you.
First of all, well done on your assessment of this book. Secondly, I admire your courage to overlay elements of your own life as they relate to Frankel's story. I understand now why my little corner of Substack caught your eye... interestingly timed as that was... And if I could be so bold, let me offer a little more food for thought; sometimes in life, things happen, and all any of us can do is either live with it or die because of it and that pesky little free will we are born with will ultimately decide which way we go.
I agree that it was incredibly well timed that I came across your sub stack. Your posts helped me to consider a lot of different aspects. The one part that sticks out in my mind is that you mentioned after having a health scare if you wondered if you would be able to make a meaningful "go" at your remaining time.
Hi Sandra! Thank you for your kind, insightful, and beautiful comments. I absolutely agree about "digital pen pals" and the value of our connections with each other through this incredible medium. I absolutely love all of your writing, and your final sentence is pure genius. Thank you and looking forward to reading more of your writing, my digital pen pal.
My biggest lesson is that the most transformative events of my life are things I never would have voluntarily chosen. I would have never chosen to lose my career, never chosen the heartbreak of failed relationships, never chosen various health challenges.
But looking back, they were the catalysts for transformation and I wouldn’t change any of them.
Your words resonate deeply in the way that only the truth can. Reflecting on my own experiences I would have to agree with you, and it casts my challenges and struggles in a new light. Thank you.
Reading Frankel, one wonders how far this can be taken. Byron Katie would say, all the way. But its difficult for most to go there.
Excellent tie in to Byron Katie - thanks Joaquin Roibal - may I throw an idea out? I am certain that Frankel was autistic. I am absolutely certain of it. That he was able to be both fully in the experience, and then step back with exceptional, scientifically, valid methodologies, and structure, his observations even of himself as one of the subjects of observation with such precision , tell me that he was likely autistic. My dog I named after him by the way and call him Vikky. (I was diagnosed Autistic at 60: Yale medical sociologist Columbia MPH 2 law degrees and 28 year law license - all as a high functioning (externally so) Autist)
Thanks Stephanie. How does Frankel being autistic speak to you? How does that give insight to your own experiences?
I see parallels in that I can both be immersed in an experience and also pull from my multidisciplinary training to assess the experience I am experiencing.
So interesting to hear about your personal journey for meaning and how that relates to the work you do here. Even when we leave professions willingly, it can feel strange and empty until we start to make sense of this new opportunity. (At least this is what happened to me!)
Losing a job or especially a career for me was a plunge into cold and unknown waters. I am very fortunate to have discovered great people--such as yourself good doctor!--who are willing to lend a hand or an ear to listen. I am grateful for your comment thank you.
First of all, well done on your assessment of this book. Secondly, I admire your courage to overlay elements of your own life as they relate to Frankel's story. I understand now why my little corner of Substack caught your eye... interestingly timed as that was... And if I could be so bold, let me offer a little more food for thought; sometimes in life, things happen, and all any of us can do is either live with it or die because of it and that pesky little free will we are born with will ultimately decide which way we go.
Good morning David!
I agree that it was incredibly well timed that I came across your sub stack. Your posts helped me to consider a lot of different aspects. The one part that sticks out in my mind is that you mentioned after having a health scare if you wondered if you would be able to make a meaningful "go" at your remaining time.
Hi Sandra! Thank you for your kind, insightful, and beautiful comments. I absolutely agree about "digital pen pals" and the value of our connections with each other through this incredible medium. I absolutely love all of your writing, and your final sentence is pure genius. Thank you and looking forward to reading more of your writing, my digital pen pal.